Protecting The Palm Beaches – July 24th, 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 55 heroes in the line of duty in 2026 including 2 in Florida
We’ve lost this hero since the previous update:
- In Oklahoma, Deputy Adam Heitman (pictured) died of injuries sustained following the pursuit of a suspect. The suspect assaulted and fled law enforcement during a traffic stop. Adam was successful in capturing the suspect after an extensive foot chase, tracking the suspect with his K-9 – however he died of his injuries less than an hour later. The suspect, a convicted felon with prior escape convictions and a long criminal record, has a pending DUI case, a deferred sentence in a 2014 drug case, charges for assault and battery, and escape from arrest. Deputy Heitman was a Marine veteran and is 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 39; the average tour-of-duty is 10 years. In addition to losing 55 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 34 widows and 58 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.