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.
- There were 229 line-of-duty deaths in 2022 including 10 in Florida
While LODs thankfully dropped from 2021’s record levels last year, that was mostly due to few COVID-related deaths. Sadly, LODs were 40% higher than 2019 – the most recent pre-COVID year – illustrating the continued risk for law enforcement amid a rise in violence against law enforcement. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
- In Texas, Border Patrol Agent Raul Humberto Gonzalez, Jr. died due to injuries sustained in pursuit of illegal immigrants crossing the border. He’s survived by two children.
- In Tennessee, Deputy Brad Miller was struck and killed while directing traffic at a construction zone. He’s survived by a wife and two children.
- In Alaska, Officer Curtis Worland died from injuries sustained while protecting a dog mushing team from wildlife. He’s survived by his wife.
- In Georgia, Officer Scott Riner was murdered in an ambush attack as he arrived at work. He’s survived by a wife and two children.
- In Mississippi, Officers Branden Estorffe and Steven Robin were murdered while conducting a welfare check. Steven is survived by a wife and two children.
- In Arkansas, Sergeant Donald Scoby was murdered while in pursuit of a suspect.
- In Ohio, Deputy Daniel Kin was killed when struck by a vehicle while transporting prisoners. He’s survived by a wife and two children.
- In North Carolina, Deputy Oscar Bolanos-Anavisca Jr., was struck in killed while investigating a robbery.
- In Virginia, Police Chief Joe Carey was struck and killed while removing debris from a roadway. He’s survived by his wife and five children.
- In Arkansas, Detective Paul Newell was struck and killed while escorting a funeral procession. An Army veteran, he’s survived by a wife and two children.
- In Maryland, Deputy Corey McElroy was struck and killed in an accident while on patrol. A Marine veteran, he’s survived by two children.
- In Okaloosa County, Corporal Ray Hamilton (pictured) was murdered while responding to a domestic disturbance.
- In California, Deputy Isaiah Cordero was murdered while conducting a traffic stop.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age is 44, the average tour of duty – 14 years. In addition to losing 229 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty over the past year, there are 122 widows and 299 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.