Protecting The Palm Beaches – October 9th, 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 71 heroes in the line of duty in 2026 including 2 in Florida
We've lost this hero since the previous update:
- In Wisconsin, Tropper Bradley Ritger (pictured) was killed while deploying spike strips during a vehicle chase. A suspect had evaded troopers multiple times when Trooper Ritger deployed spike strips which were successful in ending the police chase. Bradley died due to injuries sustained while deploying them.
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 71 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.