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2016 saw highest number of police officer killings in five years

WASHINGTON — Ambushes and deadly gunfire are fueling a rise in police deaths across the country, as more officers were shot and killed in 2016 than in any of the past five years.

A new report released by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund shows a sharp rise in ambush killings.

Law enforcement officials say police are facing an unusually high threat.

“We need to work together,” said Craig Floyd with the N.L.E.O.M.F. “We need to work in cooperation, we need to work in a trustful fashion so that we can keep our community safe.”

According to the data, 64 officers were shot and killed in the line of duty this year -- that's a 56 percent increase in gun-related deaths since 2015.

Of those officers killed, 21 were ambushed.

In July, during a peaceful protest in Dallas, Texas, a military veteran ambushed a group of police officers. He killed five officers and injured nine others.

The attack was the deadliest for law enforcement since September 11th.

Ten days after those killings, three Baton Rouge, Louisiana police officers were targeted, shot and killed.

A total of 135 officers died nationwide in 2016. That number includes traffic-related deaths and other causes, such as falls and heart attacks.

CLICK HERE to read the full report.

In September, a Shelby police officer was shot while serving a search warrant. Tim Brackeen died from his injuries two days later.

Brackeen's memorial service was held at Keeter Stadium in Shelby where thousands gathered to remember him.

His K-9 partner, Ciko, sat next to his casket for an emotional goodbye.

Investigators said Irving Fenner, Jr. shot Brackeen before fleeing to Rhode Island. He was later captured and charged with murder.

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