All articles tagged with #line of duty
The family of police detective Ross Hunt, murdered in 1983 while protecting colleagues, is campaigning for a posthumous bravery award, but their efforts are hindered by a five-year time limit policy set by the UK government, which they argue is outdated and unfair.
California police officer Lauren Craven, 25, died in the line of duty after being struck by a car while assisting motorists involved in a collision on Interstate 8. She joined the department in February 2024 and was recognized for her dedication, courage, and compassion. The incident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
A McCaysville police officer was shot in the line of duty while responding to a call, and is in critical condition as authorities investigate and seek to apprehend the suspect.
Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell was shot and killed in the line of duty while trying to help a man on the street. His parents, Janet Raper-Edwards and Dennis R. Edwards Sr., are mourning the loss of their son, remembering his big heart and love for life. The family plans to travel to Minnesota for his burial and then to Connecticut to grieve with the rest of their family.
Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen, 29, and Onondaga County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Hoosock, 37, were identified as the officers killed in a shootout in Salina, N.Y. Officer Jensen had served for two years and received the Officer of the Month Award in December 2023, while Deputy Hoosock had been with the Sheriff's Office since 2007 and was promoted to Lieutenant in June 2023. Both officers leave behind grieving families and a legacy of public service.
Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett, 54, was killed in a multi-vehicle crash while conducting a traffic stop in eastern Nebraska. His squad car was rear-ended by a pickup truck, pushing it into the stopped car. Bartlett, who also served as an investigator for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, had served in various law enforcement roles since 2017 and left behind a wife and daughter. The crash is under investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Tucson Police Officer Adam Buckner was killed in a traffic accident while responding to a call for service. The crash occurred when another vehicle failed to yield the right of way at an intersection. Officer Buckner, who joined the Tucson Police Department in 2021, was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the other vehicle suffered minor injuries, and the investigation is ongoing. Officer Buckner is survived by his wife, mother, and three brothers, and the community is encouraged to contribute to his family through the Erik Hite Foundation.
The community mourns the loss of 27-year-old Washington State Patrol trooper Christopher Gadd, who was killed in a three-vehicle crash while on duty. People have been leaving flowers and condolences at the memorial, honoring his legacy and expressing support for his family. Gadd, who leaves behind a wife and two-year-old daughter, came from a law enforcement family and had recently begun his career with the Washington State Patrol. The agency vows to continue serving the state in his honor.
The wife of fallen Burnsville police officer Paul Elmstrand, one of the three first responders killed over the weekend, described him as a generous, loving, and patient person who would "drop everything" to help someone in need. Elmstrand, 27, joined the Burnsville Police Department in 2017 and was promoted in 2019. His wife, Cindy Elmstrand-Castruita, spoke about his dedication to his job and how deeply incidents involving children affected him. She expressed her grief and emphasized the privilege of experiencing his love, while also acknowledging the tragedy of his loss.
Las Cruces police officer Jonah Hernandez died in the line of duty after being stabbed while responding to a trespassing call. Investigators believe the suspect was shot and killed by a witness, who used Hernandez's radio to call for help. Hernandez leaves behind a wife and two children. The identity of the suspect will not be released until next of kin is notified, and the investigation is ongoing.
Moody County Chief Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok was killed in the line of duty during a pursuit near the I-29/Colman exit. Joseph Gene Hoek, 40, of Sioux Falls, has been arrested in connection with the incident. Charges will be filed on Monday, and the investigation is ongoing.
Florida Highway Patrol trooper Zachary Fink, 26, was killed in a crash with a semi-truck while pursuing a criminal on I-95 in South Florida. The pursuit resulted in the death of the trooper and the semi-truck driver, while the suspect crashed his vehicle and fled the scene. Trooper Fink, described as a hero, had been attempting to apprehend a felon when the fatal crash occurred.
A Georgia State Patrol trooper was killed in a traffic crash, becoming the fifth officer to die in the line of duty across the country in 2024. Governor Brian Kemp expressed condolences, marking the third Georgia law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty since late December. This tragic incident adds to the history of law enforcement deaths in Georgia, with previous incidents including a trooper cadet's death during training in 2022 and the shooting death of a state patrol trooper in 2010.
Michigan State Police trooper Joel Popp, 39, was killed during a traffic stop on I-75 when an 81-year-old driver struck him and two patrol cars. Popp, who joined the MSP in January 2020, leaves behind a wife and young daughter. This incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers during traffic stops, and serves as a reminder of the importance of Move Over laws, which require drivers to slow down or move over for emergency vehicles.
Michigan State Police trooper Joel Popp, 39, was struck and killed by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop on northbound I-75, near Birch Run Road. Popp, a father of one, suffered serious injuries and later died at Hurley Medical Center. The 81-year-old driver who hit him and two patrol cars is expected to survive. Popp, who joined MSP in 2020, is the 56th trooper to be killed in the line of duty.