[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 28, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS' WEEK

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                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 1999

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, as we approach National Correctional 
Officers' Week, which begins May 3rd, I wanted to commend the officers 
who work in correctional facilities in my home state of Michigan. We 
owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who patrol law 
enforcement's toughest beat and provide an invaluable service to our 
communities.
  Correctional officers make the difference in ensuring that dangerous 
felons are kept securely behind bars. As we know from the correctional 
officers who have given their lives in the line of duty, it's a 
dangerous profession that works in the face of threat and deserves our 
respect and support.
  We owe a special thanks to these officers who deal with some of the 
most hardened in our society and yet, deal with them professionally, 
firmly and fairly. We count on these brave men and women to remain 
forever alert and ensure the protection of our families.
  Correctional officers are working in an increasingly stressful 
environment, as incarceration rates have risen and the inmate 
population has become more violent. By working together, we can address 
the unique and often dangerous challenges faced by correctional 
officers around the country. These officers deserve our commitment to 
improving working conditions, reducing the threat of assaults and 
ensuring that they receive wages equal to other law enforcement 
officers.
  Too often, we fail to recognize the work of these men and women, but 
our communities are better, safer places to live and raise our children 
because of their noble efforts. They deserve our admiration and our 
thanks.

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