Protecting The Palm Beaches – February 27th, 2026
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.
Following a 17% rise in Line-of-duty-deaths nationally in 2024, significant progress was made in 2025 as LODs declined by 46% year-over-year to the lowest level this century. Otherwise, it was a mixed bag. A total of 347 officers were shot in the line of duty – a 2% increase year over year.
- We lost 90 heroes in the line of duty in 2025 including 8 in Florida
- We’ve lost 19 heroes in the line of duty in 2026 including 1 in Florida
We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update:
- In Indiana, Officer Brian Elliott (pictured) was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call at an apartment building. Upon arriving on the scene, officers were met with gunfire. Multiple officers were wounded with Brian succumbing to his injuries. SWAT officers captured the suspect.
- In Tallahassee, FHP Trooper Michael Diego suffered a medical emergency during a training exercise and later passed away from those injuries.
- In Georgia, Officer Caleb Abney was struck and killed by a passing vehicle while conducting a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle was traveling at over 100 mph at the time of the collision leading to Caleb’s and the driver’s death.
- In North Carolina, Trooper Stien Davis, Jr. was killed in a crash while on patrol. His patrol car flipped during the fatal accident.
- In New Mexico, Sergeant Michael Schlattman was struck and killed by the driver of a tractor-trailer while conducting a traffic stop. He’s survived by his wife.
- In Texas, Deputy Kenneth Lewis died due to injuries sustained while assisting a stranded motorist. The driver fled the scene and has not been captured. Kenneth is survived by three children.
- In Missouri, Deputies Gabriel Ramirez and Michael Hislope were murdered while conducting a traffic stop. Upon approaching the vehicle Gabriel stopped, the suspect opened fire and fled the scene. Responding officers conducted a manhunt tracking the suspect into nearby woods. The suspect opened fire on deputies as they closed in on him wounding two leading to Michael’s death. The suspect, who was a convicted felon released on bail only three days earlier, was killed with return fire. Gabriel and Michael were Army veterans.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age of the fallen is 38; the average tour-of-duty is 9 years. In addition to losing 19 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 8 widows and 15 children who’ve lost a parent. Remember to back the badge and spread the word. They need us just as much as we need them.