[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 11, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H2933-H2934]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY RESOLUTION

  (Mr. HEFLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, on May 15, peace officers from around the 
country will travel to Washington for a day of commemoration and honor 
for fellow officers slain in the line of duty. The National Peace 
Officers Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifice and 
commitment to safety that these men and women make on our behalf. I am 
joined by over 130 of

[[Page H2934]]

my colleagues as I introduce today a resolution that expresses the 
gratitude of the House of Representatives for the work these officers 
perform.
  There are currently more than 700,000 men and women who place their 
lives at risk every day as they serve as the guardians of law and 
order. Every year approximately 1 in 9 officers is assaulted, 1 in 25 
officers is injured, and 1 in 4,400 officers is killed in the line of 
duty. Last year 158 officers were killed in the line of duty, and about 
60,000 were injured.
  While the crime of murder has been reduced on the national level, the 
murder rate of peace officers has tragically risen.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope all of my colleagues will join me in expressing 
our appreciation to all peace officers in paying tribute to those slain 
in line of duty and to their surviving families.

                          ____________________