Honoring Our Fallen Heroes – July 11th, 2025 - Brought to You By Good Greek Moving And Storage
Bottom Line: This weekly tribute is dedicated to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities. It also serves as a sobering reminder of the risks our law enforcement officers face every day to keep us safe.
In 2023, we saw progress in reducing line-of-duty deaths, but sadly, that trend did not hold. In 2024, line-of-duty deaths rose by 17% nationwide, with Florida alone mourning five additional losses. Across the country, 342 officers were shot in the line of duty, resulting in 50 deaths—an 8% increase from the previous year.
A Heavy Toll in 2024
Last year, we lost 165 heroes nationwide, including 8 in Florida, who gave their lives to protect us.
The Cost This Year
In 2025, 42 law enforcement professionals have fallen in the line of duty, including 1 in Florida.
Our Most Recent Losses
- In Kansas, Undersheriff Brandon Gaede was murdered while conducting an arrest of a suspect with illegal explosives. During the arrest, the suspect pulled a concealed gun and fired five rounds. The suspect was killed with return fire. Brandon is survived by his wife and three children.
- In Wisconsin, Officer Kendall Corder (pictured) was murdered during an ambush while responding to a domestic disturbance call. Upon arriving on the scene, a suspect fired 16 rounds at Kendall and his partner and fled the scene. The suspect was arrested the next day and has been charged with murder.
- In North Carolina, Officer Francisco Flattes was murdered by an inmate while transporting the prisoner for a medical appointment. The prisoner accessed Francisco’s service weapon firing on him, carjacking a vehicle and fleeing the scene. The suspect was quickly detained by responding officers and has been charged with murder. Francisco is survived by his wife who also serves in law enforcement.
- In South Carolina, Deputy Devin Mason was murdered while responding to an emergency call. Upon arriving on the scene, the suspect fired on deputies. The suspect was killed with return fire.
- In California, Officer Miguel Cano died following the arrest of a suspect in possession of illegal drugs and weapons. While transporting the suspect for booking, he fell ill, and lost consciousness leading to a crash. Miguel is survived by his wife.
- In New Mexico, Deputy Antonio Aleman was killed in a crash involving a tractor trailer while on patrol. He’s survived by his wife and two children.
Remembering the Families Left Behind
As we honor those we’ve lost; we must also hold close the families they leave behind. The average fallen officer is 41 years old, with 10 years of service. 22 widows and 51 children are grieving the loss of a parent. Their sacrifice is profound.
A Call to Support
Let us stand united in support of our law enforcement officers. Back the badge, share their stories, and show them they are not alone. They need our gratitude and encouragement just as much as we need their protection. Together, we can honor the fallen by ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.