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The number of law enforcement line of duty deaths in the U.S. dropped to its lowest level in six decades in 2013. Preliminary data released Monday in the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund's annual research bulletin noted that this was also the second year in a row the number of fatalities dropped and that the fewest number of officers were killed in firearms-related incidents since the 1800s

Record levels of terrorist attacks and fatalities occurred worldwide in 2012, the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism says. START released data for 2012 in its Global Terrorism Database, which now contains data on more than 113,000 attacks since 1970. 2012 saw 8,441 terrorist incidents, up from 5,009 the year before, which at the time was the most on record.

As the end of National Safety Month approaches, first responders are reminded not only of the tremendous impact that public awareness can have on preventing common injuries and deaths, but also the unique role they have in fostering that awareness. Pursuant to a recent court case*, first responders have an affirmative duty to act-whether by educating the public or otherwise ensuring their safety-when there is a known and present danger. With more than 177 million Americans relying on natural gas to meet their energy needs, there are few dangers as universally threatening as the fires and explosions resulting from gas leaks. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, pipelines are the safest means of transporting natural gas. Nevertheless, their figures indicate that nearly 900 natural gas pipeline incidents over the past 20 years have resulted in serious bodily injuries or fatalities. As the 2.5 million miles of pipeline nationwide continue to naturally degrade over time, first responders' training about and management of these leaks will become increasingly important.

While 86 percent of Americans now wear seat belts, an upcoming study that will be published by California's Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training estimates that roughly half of law enforcement officers don't wear them.