Law enforcement is one of the most dangerous and challenging professions in the U.S. This is a reality our members frequently think about and discuss among themselves, and one we often cover within the pages of this magazine. (In this issue alone, Executive Board members Myron Hamm and Greg Stinnett address attacks on correctional officers and the perilous situations leading up to our Department’s officer-involved shootings, respectively.) It’s difficult not to be reminded daily of these threats and how we put our lives on the line every time we suit up for work, especially when we read the news and learn of another officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice.

In early February, the dangers were felt close to home. Our brothers and sisters in the North Las Vegas Police Department experienced their first line-of-duty death of the year. A suspect engaged in a shootout with Officer Jason Roscow, striking him multiple times. Despite his injuries, the officer was able to return fire on the suspect. Roscow was transported to a local medical center, but tragically succumbed to his injuries. The suspect also died at the hospital. North Las Vegas Chief of Police Jacqueline Gravatt released a poignant statement following the incident, which read in part: “Police officers choose this line of work because they want to protect and serve the community, knowing the risks and challenges that come with the badge. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the officer’s family, friends, and his brotherhood in blue.”

Unfortunately, the risks and challenges continue to grow. This is evidenced in the findings of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s 2024 End-of-Year Preliminary Law Enforcement Officers Fatalities Report released in January, which revealed that 147 federal, state, county, municipal, military, tribal and campus police officers died in the line of duty in 2024. This represents a 25% increase compared to 2023, which recorded 118 line-of-duty deaths. 

The breakdown of the causes of death in 2024 is:

• Firearms-related fatalities: 52 (a 13% increase from 2023)
• Traffic-related fatalities: 46 (a 48% increase from 2023)
• Other causes and fatalities (9/11-related illnesses, drowned, stabbed, etc.): 49 

Of the fallen officers, 139 were male and eight were female, with an average age of 42 and 14 years on the job. On average, each officer left behind two children. (To read the full report, visit nleomf.org/memorial/facts-figures/latest-fatality-reports.)

Based on these statistics, the job isn’t getting any safer. Our officers are being attacked and ambushed by suspects, struck outside their vehicles during traffic stops and beaten to death. Despite these and many other risks, they still run toward danger to protect their communities from those intent on causing violence and disorder. 

With officers facing these dangers, along with issues related to recruitment, retention and morale, it’s now more important than ever that they receive increased support from those they serve — including our local, state and federal elected officials. These officials need to prioritize legislation that invests in public safety. We need legislation that promotes better training, provides more health and wellness resources for first responders, enforces stricter penalties for those who break the law and supports crime victims, to name a few. Our brave officers deserve no less.

Thank you all for the work you do in keeping our communities safe.