[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 66 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E953-E954]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A SALUTE TO OUR NATION'S LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 1997

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join 
others in the Nation who this week are recognizing our law enforcement 
officers for their role in protecting their respective communities. I 
would like to particularly recognize those officers of the sheriff's 
and police departments of Texas' district 30 which I represent, for I 
personally know of the distinction and valor with which they carry out 
their daily duties. Over the years, we have witnessed many of our 
communities--particularly in urban areas--undergo drastic change. With 
the scourges of crack, poverty and family dysfunction fraying the 
social fabric of our communities, law enforcement officers have been 
called upon to assume a greater responsibility for the safety of our 
neighborhoods.
  Much has been said about the tensions that exist between law 
enforcement agencies and the communities they serve; however, I know 
that in communities such as Dallas and Irving, TX, the police 
departments are reaching out to neighborhood residents to establish 
partnerships in fighting crime and increasing community safety. Many of 
these policemen and policewomen are unsung heroes, who daily climb into 
their police cruisers, walk their neighborhood beats or ride their 
bicycles on patrol, each day knowing that they risk death or serious 
injury. While communities may be able to function without hostile 
corporate takeover specialists or sitcom stars, no community could 
function without a dedicated force of law enforcement personnel. It 
says something about our priorities as a society that--in spite of its 
indispensability--law enforcement is among the lowest paid professions.
  I would also be remiss if I did not also recognize the husbands, 
wives and children of our law enforcement officers, the ones who stay 
home each day not knowing if their loved ones will be facing a life-
threatening situation. Should anyone doubt the dangers of the job, they 
need only visit the National Peace Officers' Memorial in Washington, DC 
and read the names of those who have given their lives in service to 
their communities. The families of our peace officers deserve 
recognition for their steadfast support of their spouse or parent who 
is often under-appreciated and underpaid. We all should take the 
opportunity to let our law enforcement officers and their families know 
that their service and sacrifices are appreciated. As a Member of 
Congress, I pledge to continue work to enact legislation that aids our 
peace officers and law enforcement agencies in the performance of their 
duties. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I offer my heartfelt salute to our 
Nation's police officers, sheriff's deputies and highway patrol 
officers.

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