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.
- 132 line of duty deaths in 2019
- Murder was the top cause of death for the second consecutive year
- 20 LOD’s in 2020, including 2 in Florida
Over the past week we suffered three line of duty deaths. In Indiana, Officer Kenneth Lester died from injuries sustained from a crash when he was stuck responding to an emergency call. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Oklahoma, Lieutenant Shirley Lanning died in a crash while on patrol. She’s survived by a husband. In Arizona, Officer David Kellywood was murdered while responding to an emergency call. He’s survived by a wife and two children.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 20 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are eight widows and 22 children who’ve lost a parent.
- The average age of the fallen, 40. The average tour of duty, 9 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.