Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute to Those Who Serve and Sacrifice – September 13th, 2024
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. After years of increases in LODs, including multiple record years, thankfully 2023 produced the fewest line-of-duty deaths in the 2000’s. LODs are currently pacing 1% lower than a year ago.
- We lost 123 heroes in the line-of-duty in 2023 including 3 in Florida
- We’ve lost 102 heroes in the line-of-duty in 2024 including 2 in Florida
- Through August 256 law enforcement officers had been shot in the line of duty
We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
- In Massachusetts, Trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia died due to injuries sustained during a training exercise.
- In Michigan, Officer Daniel Kerstetter was struck and killed by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop. He’s survived by a wife and three children.
- In Kentucky, Deputy Josh Phipps (pictured) was murdered while pursuing a suspect on the run from authorities. While in a foot pursuit of a suspect wanted by state authorities, the suspect opened fire on Josh who succumbed to his injuries. The suspect was killed with return fire.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age is 39, the average tour-of-duty – 10 years. In addition to losing 102 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 59 widows and 132 children who’ve lost a parent.