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
- We’ve lost 15 heroes in the line-of-duty this year including 1 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 Washington, Officer Jay Miller died of COVID-19 contracted on duty while assigned to a corrections center. An Army veteran, he’s survived by three sons.
- In Missouri, Officer James Muhlbauer (pictured) was killed when struck by a speeding driver who ran a red light while on patrol. He’s survived by a wife and child.
- In Pennsylvania, Officer Christopher Fitzgerald was murdered while pursuing robbery suspects. While in pursuit one of the suspects opened fire on him. The suspect was successfully detained, however Chris died of his injuries. He’s survived by a wife and four children.
- In Tennessee, Officer Geoffrey Redd was murdered while responding to a suspicious person call. Upon arriving on the scene and locating a trespassing suspect, Geoffrey was fired upon and died of his injuries. The suspect was killed by returned fire. Years earlier he’d been shot on duty and recovered from having been in critical condition from his wounds. A Marine Corps veteran, he’s survived by his wife and three children.
- In Oklahoma, Officer Kenneth Fowler died due to injuries sustained as he fell during an ice storm while transporting prisoners. He’s survived by a wife and daughter.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age is 42, the average tour-of-duty – 12 years. In addition to losing 15 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are seven widows and 23 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.