As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 355 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 183 widows and 482 children who’ve lost a parent.
Rowan County Master Deputy Billy Smart died on Oct. 10 after a 10-day battle with COVID-19, the leading cause of death for U.S. officers two years in a row.