Protecting The Palm Beaches – February 13th, 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 11 heroes in the line of duty in 2026
We’ve lost this hero since the previous update:
- In Arizona, Trooper Hunter Bennett (pictured) was killed in a helicopter crash while tracking an active shooter. Flagstaff Police officers were responding to a domestic violence call when a subject began shooting at officers with a long rifle. The subject continued to fire at officers as he ran from rooftop to rooftop in the neighborhood. Trooper Bennett and Aviation Supervisor Robert Skankey responded with tactical support. The helicopter crashed, killing Trooper Bennett and the pilot. Hunter is survived by his wife.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age of the fallen is 41; the average tour-of-duty is 9 years. In addition to losing 11 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 7 widows and 12 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.