Protecting The Palm Beaches – April 3rd, 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 25 heroes in the line of duty in 2026 including 2 in Florida
We’ve lost this hero since the previous update:
- In Alabama, Corporal David Hathcock (pictured) died of injuries sustained in a crash while on patrol last fall. He’s survived by his wife and two daughters.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age of the fallen is 37; the average tour-of-duty is 8 years. In addition to losing 25 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 13 widows and 21 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.