Law Enforcement Officer Fatalities Up 13%

2011 had been a deadly year for police across the nation, including five in Arizona.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, law enforcement deaths are up 13 percent over last year nationwide to date.

“Any notice of an officer’s death sends shockwaves throughout the law enforcement community,” said Sgt. Jimmy Chavez, president of the Arizona Highway Patrol Association. “The loss of five Arizona police officers this year is a chilling statistic.”

According to the national group, there have been 173 officer fatalities so far this year, 68 from gun fire. In years past, Arizona has gone without losing an officer in the line of duty

“Officers have a duty to protect and serve,” Chavez said. “The law enforcement professionals I have spoken with continue to take pride in their jobs despite the increased dangers.”