Wives Behind The Badge 2013 Below 100 Campaign

LOS ANGELES - Dec. 20, 2013 - PRLog -- Statistically, line of duty deaths in law enforcement average one every 58 hours.  The year 2007 marked a tragic year in LODD records with over 200 officers down, but since then, those numbers have decreased significantly.

As we bid farewell to 2013, we do so with cautious optimism as reported line of duty deaths reach a record low of only 96 as of today, December 20, 2013.  In an effort to create awareness, Below 100 offers weekly training tips for officers with one purpose: to keep them safe.  This initiative is led by a team of core trainers with support from outside partners and sponsors and this year, Wives Behind the Badge, Inc. is proud to serve as one of those partners.  Today, all Wives Behind the Badge, Inc. Auxiliary pages will turn their profile pictures to reflect their support of Below 100.

The states of Delaware, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming have not fallen victim to the tragic loss of an officer since 2011; Washington D.C. since 2010 and Connecticut since 2009.  Overall, in 2013, line of duty deaths around the country are down sixteen percent; deaths related to auto accidents are down nine percent and those related to gunfire are down a staggering 39%.  According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, the average age of a lost officer is 42 with an average tour of duty only thirteen and a half years.  Statistics related to line of duty deaths can be found by visiting their page with multiple search options.

Please join us as we pay our respects to those lost, but never forgotten; the 96 officers lost this year laid down a costly sacrifice on the altar of justice; our hearts are heavy and the shield shines less brightly as we say farewell.  In addition, our law enforcement community lost seventeen K9s whose sacrifice, drive and dedication shall always be remembered.