The FBI reports that 59 police officers lost their lives in the line of duty across the country from January 1, 2021, to September 30, 2021. These statistics show that this is a 51 percent increase in the number of police officers killed when compared to the same period during the previous year.
In the first month of 2021, three local police officers lost their lives in Horry County and the Pee Dee. On New Year’s Day, North Myrtle Beach Sgt. Gordon William Best died when his vehicle slid on wet Highway 17 and struck a utility pole while responding to a call. A week later, Marion County Deputy Jonathan Price died in a two-vehicle crash that also took the other driver’s life. Days after, Horry County Officer Melton “Fox” Gore was killed on January 12 while clearing debris.
In response, Myrtle Beach-based Indigo Family Law is launching a Back the Blue campaign to support Horry and Georgetown police officers and staff who don’t yet have a will. By late summer 2023, the program will offer discounted wills to those in service.
Why This Matters for First Responders
According to a poll by Gallup, a little less than half of U.S. adults (46 percent) have a will in place that describes how they would like their money and estate to be handled after their death.
This troubling trend has persisted since 1990. With officers and staff facing increasingly dangerous situations, Indigo Family Law emphasizes the importance of having a will to protect themselves and their families – offered at an affordable cost.
The most common cause of death for officers is transportation incidents. In addition, their work carries a high risk of injury and illness. It is also a stressful occupation, as the work often involves dealing with a hostile public in challenging situations.
To promote Back the Blue, Indigo Family Law’s Founder Brana Williams, Associate Attorney Katlin Floyd, and Office Manager/Senior Paralegal Johana Bufford are visiting officers and staff at their workplaces to raise awareness about the discounted will program, guide them through setup, and give back to the community.
The team will be on hand to explain the benefits that this protection gives to their loved ones if something unexpectedly happens to them. Along with Family Law, Indigo Family Law specializes in Legacy and Estate Planning services, such as:
- Wills and trusts
- Child will packages
- Advanced directives
- Asset protection plans
- Conservatorship adult guardianship
- Naming legal guardians for minors
- Probate
- Special needs planning
- And more
Why This Matters To Us
Williams, the mother of six adopted children, actually re-dedicated her practice to Indigo Family Law to create legacy plans for area families and to support them through all stages of life and death. It was after an epiphany she had, in fact, after driving back home from a long trial. She had not updated her will in 13 years, which was five children ago. She asked herself tough questions such as, “What would happen if she got into a fatal wreck on her way home?”
For more information on Back the Blue and how officers can protect their families, call us today.