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11/17/03
 This
is one FBI report that every Bureau employee takes personally.
It goes to the heart of law enforcement service, and we know
sharply that behind each statistic is a family that grieves
for a loved one who chose to put his or her life on the line
every working day to protect the American people.
In 2002,
133 officers were killed in the line of duty. Among those
brave souls were:
- Missouri
State Trooper Kelly Poynter, 27, who was investigating a
traffic accident when a speeding and drunken motorist struck
and killed him and another innocent bystander. Right before
he was hit, Trooper Poynter pushed two members of a tow
truck crew out of the way to safety.
- Chattanooga
(Tennessee) Police Officer Julie Jacks, 26, who was shot
and killed by a college student she was pursuing who had
fled an area hospital while awaiting a mental evaluation.
- Beaumont
(Texas) Police Officer Conrad Gernale, 34, who was intentionally
struck and killed by a vehicle while responding to a domestic
dispute.
Law
Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted 2002 is the
latest in annual series that collects information in order
to heighten awareness of particularly risky situations and
to help law enforcement officers better protect themselves
in similar circumstances.
Under
what circumstances were they killed? Fifty six law enforcement
officers were feloniously killed while on duty -- by ambush,
in traffic pursuits or stops, during arrest situations, responding
to disturbance calls, and investigating suspicious situations.
Four were slain by mentally deranged assailants. Another 77
officers died in duty-related accidents.
By
what means? The majority of the murdered officers -- 51
-- were slain with firearms--handguns, firearms, and shotguns.
Four were killed with their own weapons. Another four were
struck down by vehicles. One was slain with a knife.
Other
danger indicators? In 2002, over 58,000 law enforcement
officers were assaulted while on the job. Of these, nearly
16,500 suffered injuries -- from bodily attack, from firearms,
and from knives.
The men
and women of the FBI wish to salute our colleagues across
the country on this grim day when we take official stock of
the deaths and injuries that have befallen our ranks in 2002.
The nation owes a debt of gratitude to those who gave their
lives and to those who risk them every day to keep our communities
safe.
Related Links: Press
Release | Full Report
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