By Brian Mudd
Protecting the Palm Beaches – a tribute to those who serve and sacrifice
Bottom Line: This weekly feature is designed to recognize those who ve paid the ultimate price to serve their communities and to serve as a reminder of what our police risk to keep us safe. Here are the harsh realities regarding the rise risk in society for law enforcement.
132 line of duty deaths in 2019
307 LOD’s in 2020, including 16 in Florida
26 in 2021 including 1 in Florida
Last year was the deadliest for law enforcement since 1932. We’re in an especially dangerous moment due to the defund police movement advanced by political opportunists against the backdrop of a pandemic which has been the leading cause of death for law enforcement most recently. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
Norton community mourns police officer lost to COVID
NORTON – Norton police Det. Sgt. Stephen Desfosses has died after a battle with COVID-19.
“Desfosses proudly and distinctly served the community of Norton for over 30 years,” Police Chief Brian Clark said on the Norton Police Department’s Facebook page.
“He was a loyal, trusted and dedicated member of this department holding many positions including detective division commander, shift supervisor, training officer and he commanded the award-winning Norton Police Honor Guard.”
Desfosses, 52, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Jan. 13, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was the husband of Jessica C. (Vogan) Desfosses, to whom he was wed for 12 years.
Police officers have held a nightly caravan by the Desfosses home in Attleboro, and blue lights have been lit at homes and businesses in nearby communities.
Desfosses wake is scheduled for Tuesday at Saint Mary s Church, located at 1 Power Street in Norton, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. There will be a law enforcement walk through at 4:30 p.m.
Due to the pandemic, social distancing and COVID-19 guidelines there is very limited access at the church. The Desfosses family and the Norton Police Department request that anyone who wishes to pay their final respects to Defosses do so along the procession route to Saint Mary s.
Police officers have held a nightly caravan by the Desfosses home in Attleboro, and blue lights have been lit at homes and businesses in nearby communities.
Desfosses wake is scheduled for Tuesday at Saint Mary s Church, located at 1 Power Street in Norton, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. There will be a law enforcement walk through at 4:30 p.m.
Due to the pandemic, social distancing and COVID-19 guidelines there is very limited access at the church. The Desfosses family and the Norton Police Department request that anyone who wishes to pay their final respects to Defosses do so along the procession route to Saint Mary s.