Photo: Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, Texas
Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute to Those Who Serve and Sacrifice
Bottom Line: This weekly feature is designed to recognize those who've paid the ultimate price in service and to serve as a reminder of what our police risk to keep us safe. Here are the harsh realities regarding the rise risk in society for law enforcement.
- 491 line-of-duty deaths in 2021 including 50 in Florida
- There are 175 line-of-duty deaths thus far in 2022 including 5 in Florida
2021 was the deadliest year for law enforcement in Florida’s history. The same was true across the country as the US set a record for LODs for the 2nd consecutive year. This included a staggering 60% increase in line-of-duty deaths. Given the remarkable rise in LODs in recent years, it’s as important to support law enforcement as it's ever been, as the job of protecting us is as dangerous as it’s ever been. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update:
- In Texas, Officer Kaitlyn Ritnour (pictured) was killed in a car accident while on duty.
- In Georgia, Deputies Johnathan Koleski and Marshall Ervin, Jr. Were murdered in an ambush while serving an arrest warrant. Johnathan was an Army veteran and is survived by his wife. Marshall is survived by a wife and two children.
- In Colorado, Officer Dillon Vakoff was murdered while responding to a domestic disturbance. Dillon was an Air Force veteran.
- In Michigan, Officer Lloyd Todd died of gunshot wounds sustained while in pursuit of an abduction suspect. A Coast Guard veteran, Lloyd is survived by a son.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age of the fallen is 45, the average tour of duty – 15 years. In addition to losing 175 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 103 widows and 254 children who’ve lost a parent.
Remember to back the badge and spread the word. Media often aren't there for our law enforcement, but we can be. Let our police, and their families know we support them every chance you get. They need it more than ever, just as we need them more than ever.