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On 12/21/2024, at approximately 3:06 a.m., Earnest Atwell Jr., a 60-year-old school resource officer with the Smyth County Sheriff's Office, was involved in a fatal single-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 at the 45-mile marker in Smyth County, Virginia. Atwell was driving a Ford F-150 northbound when the vehicle veered off the left side of the road, entered the median, and descended a steep, rocky embankment. The truck overturned and came to rest on the southbound side of the median. Atwell was ejected from the vehicle and died from his injuries at the crash site. The Virginia State Police are investigating the crash.
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TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES: 1 fatality

• https://augustafreepress.com/news/smyth-county-school-resource-officer-dead-in-interstate-81-crash-early-saturday-morning/
• https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/smyth-county-sro-killed-in-single-vehicle-crash-on-i-81/
• https://www.wcyb.com/news/local/smyth-county-officer-dies-in-single-vehicle-crash-on-i-81

On the evening of December 19, 2024, Sgt. Stephen Williams, a 50-year-old veteran officer with 23 years of service, was shot and killed during a standoff at the Super 8 motel in Moody, Alabama. The standoff occurred when police responded to a call for assistance at the motel, located 22 miles east of Birmingham. Williams, who had served with the Moody Police Department for three years, was fatally wounded after gunfire broke out around 9:30 p.m. CDT.

A man and woman, who had barricaded themselves inside a room at the motel, were eventually taken into custody. Williams was transported to University Hospital in Birmingham, where he was pronounced dead. The identities of the others involved were not immediately disclosed.

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The incident is under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), with findings to be reviewed by the local prosecutor’s office.

https://valdostadailytimes.com/tag/nick-orear/

On December 17, 2024, Deputy Dustin Colbert, 41, of the New Madrid County Sheriff's Office, was involved in a fatal vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 near New Madrid, Missouri. Deputy Colbert was off-duty, traveling with his two daughters, ages 6 and 8, when his vehicle crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a vehicle driven by 17-year-old Nevaeh Ladiamond Debose. Tragically, all four individuals sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances leading to this tragic incident.

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TOTAL FATALITIES DURING THIS INCIDENT:4 fatalities

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Last updated: 12/19/2024

https://www.kctv5.com/2024/12/18/off-duty-sheriffs-deputy-3-others-killed-crash/
 

On 12/17/2024, at approximately 6:00 PM, an off-duty Wayne County Sheriff's deputy and his two daughters were involved in a fatal vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 67 near Silva, Missouri. The deputy's vehicle collided head-on with another vehicle, resulting in the deaths of the deputy and his daughters. The driver of the other vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.

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TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES: 3 fatalities, 1 injury

https://www.kfvs12.com/2024/12/18/off-duty-sheriffs-deputy-2-daughters-killed-crash/

On 12/16/2024, a Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the agency's headquarters in Bartow, Florida. The deputy's identity has not been disclosed pending notification of next of kin. The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident as a suicide.

https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2024/12/16/polk-county-sheriffs-office-investigating-deputys-death-as-suicide/77032336007/

On 12/16/2024, at approximately 4:00 PM, Detention Officer Isaiah Patrick Bias, 28, was fatally assaulted by inmate Arron Semeion Thompson at the Wayne McCollum Detention Center in Waxahachie, Texas. The incident occurred as Officer Bias was returning Thompson to his cell after his allotted out-of-cell time. Thompson, who was previously incarcerated on charges including assaulting a public servant, has been charged with capital murder following the attack. Officer Bias, a six-year veteran of the Ellis County Sheriff's Office, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES: 1 fatality

https://apnews.com/article/791940bede59ef79366df6c9af9e33b9
https://www.corrections1.com/line-of-duty-death-lodd/heinous-horrific-purposeful-murder-texas-detention-officer-killed-by-inmate

On 12/15/2024, Charlotte County Sheriff's Corporal Elio Diaz conducted a traffic stop at a Chevron gas station in the 3000 block of Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte, Florida. Diaz was transported to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries. The individual involved was later located at a Popeyes restaurant in Punta Gorda. He reportedly reached for a rifle, and a deputy opened fire, shooting him in the head. He was airlifted to a hospital and pronounced dead.

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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating.

https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2024/12/16/charlotte-county-elio-diaz-killed-shooting-florida/77028780007/
https://www.nbc-2.com/article/who-officer-shot-killed-florida-diaz/63204446

On 12/15/2024, at approximately 3:45 p.m., a 51-year-old former police officer was driving on Hallsboro Road near Barney Tyler Road in Hallsboro, North Carolina. The individual drifted over the center line, resulting in a head-on collision with another vehicle. The former officer succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.

• https://www.wect.com/2024/12/15/man-killed-head-on-crash-hallsboro/
• https://www.wwaytv3.com/hallsboro-car-crash-kills-retired-police-officer/

On 12/14/2024, a Selmer Police Department officer was fatally shot while responding to a service call. During the encounter, officers also shot and killed a civilian male. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Details regarding the events leading up to the shootings, the identities of the officer and the civilian, and any other individuals involved have not been disclosed at this time.

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TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES:1 (Selmer Police Officer), 1 (Civilian Male)

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LAST UPDATE: 12/15/2024

1. wbbjtv.com/news/selmer-police-officer-killed-in-line-of-duty
2. fox13memphis.com/news/police-officer-suspect-killed-after-shooting-in-mcnairy-county-tbi-says

On 12/12/2024, Biddeford Police Sergeant Jacob Wolterbeek, 41, was involved in a fatal vehicle collision on the Piscataqua River Bridge while driving home after his shift. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident remains under investigation by Maine State Police.

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Total Fatalities/Injuries: 1 fatality

1. https://www.officer.com/features/honoring-the-fallen/video/55249350/maine-police-officer-killed-in-collision-on-way-home-after-shift
2. https://www.wmur.com/article/interstate-95-crash-kittery-maine-portsmouth-nh/63171400
3. https://news.yahoo.com/news/95-bridge-fatality-maine-police-162524753.html

Oregon corrections officer Nicholas Alexander fatally shot his teenage daughter before taking his own life on 12/11/2024. The incident occurred inside their Washington County apartment. Authorities discovered the bodies during a welfare check. Evidence at the scene suggests the man killed his daughter with a firearm before committing suicide. A firearm was recovered. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.

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TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES:
Fatalities: 2

1. https://www.kptv.com/2024/12/13/oregon-corrections-officer-kills-teen-daughter-then-himself/

On December 10, 2024, San Antonio Police Officer William Kasberg died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Harlandale Independent School District facility in San Antonio, Texas. Initially reported as an accidental discharge, further investigation by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office and SAPD determined the death to be a suicide. At the time of his death, Officer Kasberg was under criminal investigation by the Rockport Police Department for allegedly recording a minor without consent at a Rockport motel. The San Antonio Police Department is conducting an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Total Fatalities/Injuries:
1 fatality

1. https://www.sacurrent.com/news/sapd-san-antonio-cop-who-died-this-week-committed-suicide-was-under-investigation-36282664
2. https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2024/12/12/death-of-sapd-officer-initially-reported-as-accidental-ruled-a-suicide-sapd-says/
3. https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/in-your-neighborhood/rockport/san-antonio-police-officer-death-ruled-suicide-officer-was-under-investigation-by-rockport-pd

On 12/08/2024, Officer Jacob Candanoza, 28, of the Terrell Police Department, was fatally shot during a traffic stop around 11 p.m. in Terrell, Texas. The investigation is ongoing and is being handled by the Texas Rangers.

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TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER: 1 fatality (Officer Candanoza).

1. https://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-police-officer-fatally-shot-traffic-stop-4/story?id=116601342

On 12/06/2024, Sergeant Ryan Moan, a 33-year-old officer with the Manchester Police Department, was found deceased in his vehicle at the Hatch Hill Road boat launch in Vernon, Connecticut. The Vernon Police Department confirmed that Moan died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Earlier that day, Moan was arrested by the Manchester Police Department on charges including risk of injury to a minor, enticing a minor by computer, misrepresentation of age to entice a minor, and tampering with physical evidence. The arrest warrant remains sealed, so specific details of the allegations are undisclosed. Authorities confirmed that the charges were unrelated to his duties as a school resource officer and that the alleged victim was neither a student nor a resident of Manchester.

Moan was released on a $450,000 bond and placed on unpaid leave following his arrest. He was scheduled to appear for arraignment on January 3, 2025.

Manchester officials expressed shock and outrage at the allegations. Town Manager Steve Stephanou and Police Chief William Darby stated that the alleged actions were in direct contrast to the department’s values of integrity, compassion, and fairness, and assured the public of transparency throughout the investigation.

TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER:

• Fatalities: 1 (Sergeant Ryan Moan)
• Injuries: 0

1. https://nypost.com/2024/12/08/us-news/connecticut-cop-commits-suicide-after-his-own-department-arrested-him-for-enticing-a-minor/
2. https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/hartford-county/manchester/manchester-connecticut-police-sergeant-arrest-messaging-minor-online/520-54627df6-a5db-40bf-a893-981850c4f467

On 11/29/2024, Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins, 40, responded to a report of an individual seen leaving a bank on the 800 block of Lake Street with a firearm. Upon arrival, Detective Reddins confronted the armed individual, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Detective Reddins was critically injured, sustaining a gunshot wound to his left side, and was transported to Loyola University Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. The individual was shot in the leg and taken into custody; charges are pending. Detective Reddins had served with the Oak Park Police Department since May 2019.

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NUMBER OF CASUALTIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER:
1 fatality (Detective Allan Reddins)
1 injured (armed individual)

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Last update: 11/29/2024

1. https://www.oakpark.com/2024/11/29/oak-park-police-officer-dies-in-shooting/
2. https://abc7chicago.com/post/oak-park-il-shooting-today-officer-shot-critically-injured-lake-street-suspect-wounded-police-say/15603128/

On 11/28/2024, at approximately 11:50 a.m., Nicholas Griego, a 31-year-old Community Services Officer with the Palm Springs Police Department, was riding a motorcycle near the intersection of Cathedral Canyon Drive and East Palm Canyon Drive in Cathedral City. A pickup truck driven by another employee of the Palm Springs Police Department collided with Griego’s motorcycle. The crash also involved a third vehicle, which sustained damage during the incident.

Emergency responders pronounced Griego dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck remained on-site and is cooperating with the Cathedral City Police Department's investigation. Authorities closed the intersection for several hours to collect evidence and examine the circumstances of the collision. Investigators are asking the public for any additional information to assist in the case.

NUMBER OF CASUALTIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER: One fatality.

Last Update: 12/01/2024

1. https://kesq.com/news/2024/11/28/community-service-officer-killed-in-crash-in-cathedral-city-thanksgiving-day/
2. https://www.yahoo.com/news/fatal-three-vehicle-crash-reported-213747723.html
3. https://mynewsla.com/crime/2024/11/28/31-year-old-motorcyclist-dead-in-cathedral-city-collision/

On 11/26/2024, Jonathan Fuller, a 52-year-old Deputy Chief of the Rockmart Police Department, died suddenly and unexpectedly. Deputy Chief Fuller served the Rockmart Police Department for over 11 years and was widely recognized for his dedication to public safety, mentorship of younger officers, and advocacy for mental health awareness. His death has deeply impacted the Rockmart community, with officials and colleagues remembering him as a beacon of leadership and integrity.

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NUMBER OF CASUALTIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER: 1 fatality.

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Last Update: 11/29/2024

1. https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/rockmart-deputy-chief-dies-leaving-lasting-impact-department-community
2. https://www.wsbtv.com/news/georgia/unwavering-dedication-georgia-community-mourns-death-assistant-police-chief/3QINF5NHPRC4HPEEEJNTTR3LZU/
3. https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/ga/rockmart/deputy-jonathan-fuller-18928840

Officer Cooper Dawson of the Greenville Police Department was killed on 11/25/2024, while attempting to apprehend an individual who fled from a traffic stop. Around 8 p.m., Dawson initiated the stop in the 3500 block of Picket Street. The individual fled on foot, prompting Dawson to pursue him into a wooded area behind residential homes. There, the individual ambushed Dawson, shooting him multiple times. Despite suffering critical gunshot wounds, Dawson returned fire, hitting the individual. Both were transported to a hospital, where Officer Dawson died from his injuries after being airlifted to Medical City Plano. The other man involved has not been identified, and his condition has not yet been disclosed. This is the first line of duty death for the Greenville Police Department in over 100 years.

Last update: 11/26/2024.

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/greenville-police-officer-shot-killed-in-line-of-duty-2024/
https://www.fox4news.com/news/greenville-officer-dies-after-shooting-incident
https://www.greenvillepd.com/news/greenville-pd-officer-dawson-dies-in-line-of-duty

Deputy Nick Green, a seven-year veteran of the LaRue County Sheriff's Office, suffered a medical issue while on duty on 11/23/2024, resulting in his death. The specific cause of the medical issue has not been disclosed.

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Last update: 11/24/2024

https://www.wave3.com/2024/11/23/larue-county-deputy-dies-after-suffering-medical-issue-duty/

Jesse Branch, an on-duty Red Lake Tribal police officer was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 89 near Red Lake, MN, on November 22, 2024. The collision involved another vehicle, and both individuals in the crash died from their injuries.  Police identified the other person who died as Alan Lussier Jr. Authorities are investigating the incident.

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NUMBER OF CASUALTIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER: 2 deceased.

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Last update: 11/27/2024

https://www.startribune.com/off-duty-red-lake-tribal-police-officer-one-of-two-killed-in-two-vehicle-crash/601187808

A deputy from the Elmore County Sheriff's Office died by suicide in the parking lot of the Fultondale Event Center while attending law enforcement training. Authorities confirmed the death as a gunshot wound, and it is believed to be a suicide. The deputy had been experiencing mental health issues.

https://abc3340.com/news/local/fultondale-police-department-investigation-law-enforcement-training-community-center-officer-shooting-suicide-mental-health-awareness-investigation-event-center

An officer with the Flint Police Department passed away on November 21, 2024. The exact cause of death was not disclosed at the time of reporting, but it was confirmed by local officials.

https://www.abc12.com/news/local/an-officer-with-the-flint-police-department-has-passed-away/article_76022592-6baa-11ef-a0c6-1f5ffb4c5d59.html
https://theflintcouriernews.com

On November 21, 2024, Deputies Paez, Waller, and Diaz were struck by an SUV while conducting speed enforcement. Paez and Waller died the same day; Diaz succumbed to injuries on November 25. The crash occurred when the SUV attempted to avoid a slower-moving vehicle. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. All three deputies were long-serving members of the motor unit.

Last update: November 25, 2024

https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/3rd-palm-beach-deputy-dies-days-after-crash-that-killed-2-fellow-motormen/3480467/

Cpl. Luis Paez was killed in a crash during a police chase in Loxahatchee, Florida. He was responding to an ongoing pursuit when the crash occurred. The officers' vehicle was involved in a fatal collision, leading to his death at the scene.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/palm-beach-county-sheriffs-office-233052849

Deputy Ralph Waller was killed during a police chase in Loxahatchee, Florida. While involved in the pursuit, his vehicle was struck in a fatal collision, leading to his death.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/palm-beach-county-sheriffs-office-233052849

A corrections officer was involved in a tragic murder-suicide on November 20, 2024, in Caswell County, North Carolina. The officer fatally shot his wife and two children before turning the gun on himself.

• https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/piedmont-triad/adult-victim-in-caswell-county-murder-suicide-identified-as-corrections-officer/
• https://www.police1.com/

Napoleon police officer died by suicide Saturday night while on duty, the city’s police chief said.

https://www.13abc.com/2024/11/17/napoleon-police-officer-dies-by-suicide-while-duty/

Officer Tyler Murrey, 31, passed away on November 16, 2024. He served with the Napoleon Police Department since 2018 and contributed to multiple specialized teams.

https://www.wane.com/top-stories/police-officer-killed-on-duty-in-napoleon-ohio/

On November 16, 2024, at approximately 6:30 p.m., fellow officers conducted a welfare check on Officer Tyler Murrey during his patrol shift and discovered him deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officer Murrey had served with the Napoleon Police Department since 2018, contributing as a member of the warrant entry team, firearms instructor, and armorer. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, in collaboration with the Henry County Sheriff's Office, is conducting an investigation into the incident.

https://www.13abc.com/2024/11/17/napoleon-police-officer-dies-by-suicide-while-duty/?utm_

Officer Jerome Schultz was off duty and on his motorcycle when he crashed and died in Irving, Texas.

https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/irving-police-officer-army-veteran-dies-off-duty-crash/

Sergeant Peter Folz of the Kenner PD was on his way to court to testify in a murder case when he died from a medical emergency.

https://www.officer.com/features/honoring-the-fallen/video/55243229/la-police-officer-dies-on-way-to-testify-in-murder-case

Deputy Cailee Campbell was on her way to a call when she crashed, rolled her vehicle and died.

https://www.officer.com/features/honoring-the-fallen/video/55142605/ny-deputy-killed-in-2-vehicle-crash-while-responding-to-call

Buncombe County Detention Center Officer Emmanuel Bader was killed in a crash on November 12, 2024, while driving 100 mph in a 35 mph zone. His vehicle struck a rock pillar on New Stock Road. The other officer was unharmed. No drugs or alcohol were involved.

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Last update: November 26, 2024.

https://wlos.com/news/local/new-crash-report-reveals-buncombe-county-officer-killed-accident-vehicle-car-speeding-100-mph-in-35-mph-limit-emmanuel-bader-new-stock-road

On November 9, 2024, Correctional Officer Christopher Martinez, 27, of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), died in a car crash on Highway 99, south of Pixley, while en route to work. Officer Martinez began his CDCR career in November 2023 as a cadet at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center. After graduating, he was assigned to the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility at California State Prison, Corcoran, in March 2024. He is survived by his wife and 9-month-old child.

TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES:
1 fatality (Correctional Officer Christopher Martinez).

1. https://www.corrections1.com/line-of-duty-death-lodd/calif-corrections-officer-dies-in-crash-while-driving-to-work
2. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-martinez-family-after-tragic-loss
3. https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/insidecdcr/2024/11/12/christopher-martinez-correctional-officer

https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/golden-police-officer-killed-colorado-car-crash/

Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez, 26, was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Chatham on November 4, 2024. During the stop, Martinez and his partner were speaking with the vehicle's driver when a passenger, Darion McMillian, allegedly reached for a bag on the floor. Despite warnings, McMillian reportedly fired a fully automatic weapon equipped with an illegal machine-gun conversion device, fatally shooting Martinez. Police returned fire, killing another individual in the vehicle, while McMillian fled the scene and was later arrested. McMillian faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder of a police officer and unlawful use of a weapon. this case is being investigated internally by Chicago Police Department.

https://abc7chicago.com/officer-martinez-chatham-shooting-traffic-stop/13957632/
https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2024/11/6/2393-chicago-police-officer-shot-killed-traffic-stop
https://news.wttw.com/2024/11/05/chicago-police-officer-among-2-people-killed-east-chatham-traffic-stop-shooting
https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/06/man-charged-with-killing-police-officer-enrique-martinez-during-traffic-stop/

Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez, 26, was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Chatham on November 4, 2024. During the stop, Martinez and his partner were speaking with the vehicle's driver when a passenger, Darion McMillian, allegedly reached for a bag on the floor. Despite warnings, McMillian reportedly fired a fully automatic weapon equipped with an illegal machine-gun conversion device, fatally shooting Martinez. Police returned fire, killing another individual in the vehicle, while McMillian fled the scene and was later arrested.

https://abc7chicago.com/officer-martinez-chatham-shooting-traffic-stop/13957632/
https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2024/11/6/2393-chicago-police-officer-shot-killed-traffic-stop
https://news.wttw.com/2024/11/05/chicago-police-officer-among-2-people-killed-east-chatham-traffic-stop-shooting
https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/06/man-charged-with-killing-police-officer-enrique-martinez-during-traffic-stop/

Golden Police Officer Evan Dunn died on November 5, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 58. The officer had been responding to a call and was alongside his training officer, Bethany Grusing, who sustained serious injuries. Dunn, 33, had previously served as an Army Aviation Officer and Blackhawk pilot and had been with the Golden Police Department for a short time after graduating from the police academy in July 2024.

https://www.goldentoday.com/golden-police-department-mourns-the-loss-of-officer-evan-dunn/
https://www.denverpost.com/2024/11/07/golden-police-officer-killed/

Officer Devon Lindsay was killed in a hit and run crash on old Gilliard Road in Ridgeville on November 4, 2024.

https://www.live5news.com/2024/11/04/deputies-mourning-after-berkeley-county-detention-deputy-killed-hit-and-run/

An NYPD officer took his own life on the Upper West Side of New York City. No further details were provided on the officer’s identity, and investigations are ongoing.

• https://www.otdowntown.com/news/cop-takes-own-life-on-uws-second-nypd-suicide-this-year-FF3601403​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2024/09/15/a-wave-of-police-suicides-has-law-enforcement-on-edge-2/​:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}