[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 70 (Friday, May 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    SUPPORTING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. GEORGE R. NETHERCUTT, JR.

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 14, 1999

  Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of National 
Police Week. There have been ceremonies all around our country this 
week to recognize the service and dedication the men and women of law 
enforcement provide our community. In my own district, there will be a 
Law Enforcement Appreciation Breakfast this Friday.
  Unfortunately, National Police Week is no joyous occasion. 158 peace 
officers killed in the line of duty this past year. It is important to 
note that the U.S. lost just a few more men and women during the entire 
Persian Gulf War. To date, there have been over 15,000 law enforcement 
officers killed in the line of duty. Virtually every community has lost 
someone special to it.
  Mr. Speaker, each one of the heroes has stories to tell: of community 
service, dedication to job, and love for family. For the families and 
fellow officers, this week serves as a painful reminder that their 
lives will never be the same. We will put their loved one's name on a 
memorial wall and that is a good thing, but we shall never fully 
appreciate their grief. Our pledge to them should be that we will 
continue the work toward a safe community that their loved one sought 
and died to give us.
  There are over 700,000 law enforcement officers at every level of 
government who put their life and mental well-being on the line every 
day to protect our community from forces that wish to undermine our 
safety. They deserve recognition as well this week. Law enforcement 
officers encounter every day the part of society that most of us are 
unwilling to confront. What is particularly tragic is many of them face 
violence or the threat of violence themselves and then face unfair 
criticism by individuals who either have no idea what it's like on the 
streets or are unwilling to make the same sacrifice. They are our 
friends and not our adversaries.
  Mr. Speaker, National Police Week is a good beginning for showing 
support for our law enforcement officers. We should show appreciation 
to them every day by our prayers and words of encouragement. For all 
Eastern Washington officers, I personally say thank you for your 
dedication and protection of our communities.

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