Protecting the Palm Beaches – a tribute to those who serve and sacrifice
Bottom Line: This weekly feature is designed to recognize those who've paid the ultimate price to serve their communities and to serve as a reminder of what our police risk to keep us safe.
This is the unfortunate news you need to know:
- 148 police officers died in the line of duty in 2018 – 16% higher year over year & the top cause of death was murder for the first time on record
- 26 police officers have now died while serving in 2019
- We’ve lost another two heroes this week
In Washington,Deputy Ryan Thompson was murdered while in pursuit of suspect who’d led him on a chase. He’s survived by a wife and three children. In Arizona, Officer Paul Rutherford was struck and killed by a vehicle while on patrol. He’s survived by a wife and two children.
Please remember the families of our fallen heroes as well. In addition to already losing 26 officers this year, there are 14 widows and 28 children who’ve lost a parent.
The average age of our fallen officers, 41. The average tour of duty, twelve years and one month.
Remember to back the badge and spread the word. Media often aren't there for our law enforcement, but we can be. Let our police, and their families, know we support them every chance you get. They need it, now more than ever, just as we need them more than ever.