Since the start of 2018, at least 56 law enforcement officers across the U.S. have died while on duty — with 35 of the deaths caused by gunfire.
In 2017 129 officers died in the line of duty. 46 of those were caused by gunfire
In 2016 135 cops died in the line of duty.
Sadly we have had two more Police Officers die in the line of duty over the past weekend.
Sedgwick County, Kansas Deputy Robert Kunze III was fatally shot on Sept. 16 during an altercation with a suspect. The 41-year-old was a 12-year veteran of the police department in Kansas. The suspect died on the scene. You can read more on the incident by clicking here.
“Robert was a great asset to the sheriff’s office,” said Sheriff Joe Easter. “Robert was an exceptional deputy who was loved by everyone he worked with.” Kunze is survived by his wife and daughter.
On Friday, September 14th, an undercover Fort Worth, Texas, Police Officer Garrett Hull , 40, was shot in the head while conducting surveillance on a trio of robbery suspects in Fort Worth, Texas and died late Friday evening.
Hull, a 17-year veteran of the force, was pronounced dead at 9:40 p.m. Friday at John Peter Smith Hospital, where hundreds of his fellow officers had gathered to keep vigil and show their support, ABC News affiliate WFAA reported.
“We’ve lost a true hero,” said Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald. “Someone who has dedicated more than one tour of service to this great city…our whole department is hurting right now.”
Hull was conducting surveillance on a trio of armed robbery suspects near midnight when they entered a sports bar.
The three men entered the bar with guns drawn, authorities said, and Hull and other officers were waiting outside and confronted them as they ran from the establishment and tried to jump into an SUV.
Police said one of the men, Dacion Steptoe, fired at Hull, striking him in the head. Another officer returned fire, killing Steptoe. Two other men, Samuel Mayfield and Timothy Huff, were identified by authorities as Steptoe’s accomplices. It is unclear if those suspects are in custody. You can read more on that incident by clicking here.
Hull is survived by a wife and two daughters.
It’s a dangerous world out there. Stay safe everyone and pray for our fallen brothers and their families.