Protecting The Palm Beaches – August 14th, 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 60 heroes in the line of duty in 2026 including 2 in Florida
We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update:
- In Virginia, Deputy Burlie Duvall (pictured), III was killed while processing a vehicle crash on a highway. The driver of a tractor trailer struck Deputy Duvall III who was assisting seven victims of a crash who required medical attention and were later hospitalized. Burlie is survived by his wife and three young children.
- In Georgia, Deputy Betty Jean Uriegas died due injuries suffered from a crash. While on patrol Deputy Uriegas encountered a group of trespassers who opened fire. While attempting to interdict the trespassers, she crashed suffering critical injuries. Betty is survived by her husband and two children.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age of the fallen is 39; the average tour-of-duty is 10 years. In addition to losing 60 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 37 widows and 64 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.