Protecting The Palm Beaches – March 20th, 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 23 heroes in the line of duty in 2026 including 1 in Florida
I’m pleased to report that there weren’t any line of duty deaths over the past week, and as a result, LODs are now pacing lower than a year ago. This is especially encouraging as 2025 produced the fewest LODs of the 2000’s. With that said, violence against law enforcement professionals has continued to escalate this year. Officers shot in the line of duty have increased by 7%.
What we’re seeing is an increase in violence against law enforcement professionals with an improvement in outcomes for those who’re victims of violence. This has been attributable to improvements in equipment and changes in protocols.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age of the fallen is 37; the average tour-of-duty is 8 years. In addition to losing 23 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 12 widows and 19 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.