[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 70 (Friday, May 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE SANTA ANA POLICE EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION 
                                 AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 14, 1999

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the recipients of 
the Santa Ana Police Employee Recognition Awards. It is because of 
their dedication and commitment to law enforcement that the City of 
Santa Ana is safer for all of its residents.
  It is in honor of National Law Enforcement Week that I salute our 
nation's police officers, and especially those of the 46th 
Congressional District in Orange County.
  Seven hundred thousand police officers serve the U.S. each day. Most 
Americans probably don't know that our nation loses an average of 
almost one officer every other day. And that doesn't include the ones 
who are assaulted and injured each year.
  More than 14,000 officers have been killed in the line of duty. The 
sacrifice of California officers has given our state the highest number 
of police deaths: 1,205. In Santa Ana alone, we have lost three 
officers who bravely protected our community.
  The calling to serve in law enforcement comes with bravery and 
sacrifice. The thin blue line protecting our homes, our families and 
our communities pays a price, and so do the loved ones they leave 
behind when tragedy strikes.
  We cannot replace the officers we've lost. We can't bring them back 
to their families or departments. All we can do is grieve for their 
loss.
  But as their federal representatives, we have a greater 
responsibility. We must ensure that our law enforcement agencies--and 
their officers and staff--have the resources they need to do their jobs 
safely.
  And today, we fulfill the most solemn part of our obligation to 
America's police force: we promise that when an officer does make that 
sacrifice, he or she will earn a place of the highest national respect 
with all due honor from the U.S. government.

                          ____________________