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 officers died in the line of duty in 2018 & the top cause of death was murder for the first time on record
- 106 officers have died while serving in 2019
- Seven in Florida
This week we lost North Carolina Deputy Makeem Brooks. He died in a crash while responding to an emergency call. He’s survived by four children.
This is a good time to reflect on what’s happened this year compared to last. While 106 deaths is 106 too many, the encouraging news is that overall line of duty deaths are lower by 27% over the same time a year ago. The less encouraging news is that murder remains the most common cause of LOD’s for the second consecutive year.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 106 law enforcement officials this year, there are 58 widows and 138 children who’ve lost a parent.
- The average age of the fallen, 44. The average tour of duty, 13 years.
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.