Remembering Police Officers & Firefighters Killed in the Line of Duty

The dictionary defines "hero" as one having exceptional courage and fortitude.

This definition has never been more true for the men and woman who put their lives on the line everyday to maintain law and order and keep us from harm's way.

They are police officers, sheriff deputies, firefighters, and paramedics that are the first to respond to the scene of an emergency disaster or other dangerous situation. These men and woman are know as "first responders".

"Without their courage and bravery, CHAOS would surely reign" -RF

Rememering Fallen Heroes

As the Christmas Holiday draws near and the year 2009 comes to an end, I would like everyone to pause and take the time to remember the 117 Police Officers and 87 Firefighters killed (as of 12/16/09) in the U.S. in line of duty in 2009 - the ultimate sacrifice!

Sadly and unfortunately, the numbers above will likely rise as there are still fifteen days left till year's end. At the bottom of this post you will find links to Police Officer and Firefighter Memorials. If you have the time, visit the memorials and read some of the entries.

I am sure you will be deeply moved as I always am by the countless stories of selfless courage and heroism exhibited by police officers and firefighters who lost their lives while serving and protecting the citizens of this great nation in 2009 and years past.

Also, there are also links to donate to police officer and firefighter memorial funds. All donations go towards helping families of officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty get through the difficult times of their loss.
 
Line of Duty Deaths By the Numbers

Here are some somber statistics on Police Officer Line of Duty Deaths (LODD) in 2009 from the Officer Down Memorial Page. (as of 12/16/09)

+ Top-3 Line of Duty Death by Cause:

• 46 - by Gunfire
• 33 - by Automobile Accident
•  9  - by Vehicular Assault 

+ Top-3 Line of Duty Deaths by Month:

• 14 - in April 
• 13 - in October
• 10 - in January, May, June, & July 

+ Top-3 Line of Duty Deaths by State: 

• 11 - in Texas
•  8  - in California
•  8 -  in Florida 

+ More By the Numbers:

• 37 - Number of Average Age 
• 9yr.,11mo. - Number of Average Tour of Duty Years 
•  1  - Number of Female Officers Killed in the Line of Duty 

RELATED LINKS OF INTEREST

• Officer Down Memorial Page

• US Fire Administration Firefighter Fatalities

• Latest Headlines: Officer Down - Fallen Firefighter

• National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

• National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Fund

• Police-Scanner.info's First Responder Tribute Page

That's it for now, till next time stay safe and thank a police officer or firefighter for their service next time you see one, they will appreciate it!

-RF
Bloghost & Webmaster @ Police-Scanner.info