Protecting The Palm Beaches – March 6th, 2026
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 21 heroes in the line of duty in 2026 including 1 in Florida
We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update:
- In Tennessee, Officer Justin Pedigo was murdered by an inmate. Justin was stabbed by an inmate serving a manslaughter and aggravated assault sentence. He’s survived by his wife.
- In North Carolina, Trooper Steven Perry (pictured) was struck and killed by a wrong-way driver while on patrol. He’s survived by his fiancée and infant daughter.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age of the fallen is 38; the average tour-of-duty is 9 years. In addition to losing 21 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 10 widows and 16 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.