In 2023, the National Fraternal Order of Police reported that 378 police officers were shot in the line of duty, resulting in the deaths of 46 officers. These statistics highlight the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day while on duty. Eight tragic stories from last year shed light on the risks and sacrifices that police officers make to protect and serve their communities.
Sergeant Michael Moran of the Cortez Police Department in Colorado was shot and killed in November 2023 during a traffic stop. Moran, who served in the Marines for nine years before joining the police force, rose through the ranks quickly and was most proud of his K-9 partner Otto. The suspect involved in the shooting was later killed in a police confrontation.
Indiana state trooper Aaron Smith lost his life in June 2023 after being struck by a suspect driving a stolen vehicle. Smith, described as a shining star by Superintendent Doug Carter, was a dedicated officer known for his outstanding service. He left behind a young wife and family, leaving the Indiana State Police family in mourning.
Master Trooper James Bailey of the Indiana State Police also tragically lost his life earlier that year after being hit by a suspect’s vehicle while assisting with traffic from weather-related crashes. Bailey was struck by a suspect’s vehicle on Interstate 69 while attempting to de-escalate a situation with stop sticks. The driver was taken into custody following the incident.
Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso, a Chicago police officer, was killed in the line of duty while chasing an armed teenage suspect. Vasquez-Lasso was shot multiple times and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Described as having a bright future ahead of him by then-Police Superintendent David O. Brown, Vasquez-Lasso came from a family of public servants and had been on the force for five years.
Lieutenant Milton Resendez of the San Benito Police Department in Texas was shot and killed while pursuing two individuals involved in a car chase. Resendez was struck in the abdomen by a bullet that pierced his patrol car door, leading to his tragic death. The suspects were eventually captured and face charges including capital murder.
Sergeant Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix of Nevada were killed by a drunk driver on a Las Vegas freeway in December 2023. The troopers had stopped to check on a driver they observed sleeping in his car when they were tragically struck. The driver fled the scene, but was later arrested and faces charges related to the incident.
Sergeant Cory Maynard of the West Virginia State Police was fatally shot in June 2023 while responding to a shooting complaint. Maynard was shot by the suspect, Timothy Kennedy, who was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Maynard’s bravery and sacrifice were honored by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, who emphasized the courage of law enforcement officers.
Officer Garrett Crumby of Alabama was killed in March 2023 while responding to a domestic violence call. Crumby, a three-year veteran of the Huntsville Police Department, was assisting a woman and children when an armed man ambushed him and another officer. Crumby succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, leaving behind a legacy of heroism. The suspect was charged with capital murder of a law enforcement officer, highlighting the grave risks that officers face in the line of duty.
