Protecting The Palm Beaches – May 1st, 2026 – Brought to You By Good Greek Moving And Storage
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 35 heroes in the line of duty in 2026 including 2 in Florida
We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update:
- In Texas, Deputy Heather Avery (pictured) was struck and killed by the driver of a commercial vehicle while directing traffic near a construction zone. Heather is survived by her husband and daughter.
- In Illinois, Officer John Bartholomew was murdered by a robbery suspect detained by John and his partner. The suspect produced a gun striking both officers, killing John and critically injuring his partner. The suspect, who was on parole and who had escaped an electronic monitoring system, fled but was apprehended by responding officers soon afterward. The suspect has been charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated battery. John is survived by his wife and three children.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age of the fallen is 39; the average tour-of-duty is 9 years. In addition to losing 35 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 21 widows and 40 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.