Protecting The Palm Beaches – October 2nd, 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 70 heroes in the line of duty in 2026 including 2 in Florida
We've lost these heroes since the previous update:
- In Maryland, Police Chief George Bacorn was killed in a head on collision with a delivery truck driver who lost control of his truck, struck another truck before overcorrecting into oncoming traffic. Chief Bacorn is survived by his wife and five children.
- In Kentucky, Trooper Hayden Phillips (pictured) was murdered while conducting a traffic stop. While conducting the stop, the suspect who had an outstanding arrest warrant, opened fire killing Hayden and fleeing the scene. The suspect was captured several hours later and has been charged with murder. Hayden is survived by his wife and three children.
- In California, Officer Brian Liles died in a motorcycle crash while on patrol. Brian was California’s Officer of the Year in 2024 and is survived by his wife and two 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 40; the average tour-of-duty is 10 years. In addition to losing 70 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 47 widows and 90 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.