ALBANY, GA (WALB) -
Fewer officers died in the line of duty nationwide this year, but Georgia had the second highest number of police deaths.
According to The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 127 officers have died on the job this year.
That's down from 165 last year and 154 in 2010.
One Dougherty County H.E.A.T Officer says traffic stops are one of the most dangerous parts of a cop's job and drivers should be more aware of officers on the road.
"Slow down, get off the cell phone, stop texting, no internet operations on the phone, pay attention to your driving. I assure you being in a hurry is not worth killing somebody or yourself over," said Officer Reggie French.
Last year, Albany Police Officer Terry Lewis-Flemming died in a patrol car crash.
In 2010, Dougherty County Police Lieutenant Cliff Rouse was shot by an armed robbery suspect.
Texas had the highest number of deaths this year at 10, followed by Georgia with 8.
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Cliff Rouse
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