[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 24 (Thursday, March 7, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1681-S1682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 221--TO COMMEMORATE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEDICATION 
AND SACRIFICE MADE BY THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES WHILE 
                  SERVING AS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

  Mr. CAMPBELL (for himself, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Allard, Ms. 
Cantwell, Mr. Gregg, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Biden, Mr. 
Bunning, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Allen, Mr. Thomas, and Mr. Hutchinson) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 221

       Whereas the well-being of all citizens of the United States 
     is preserved and enhanced as a direct result of the vigilance 
     and dedication of law enforcement personnel;
       Whereas more than 700,000 men and women, at great risk to 
     their personal safety, presently serve their fellow citizens 
     as guardians of peace;
       Whereas peace officers are on the front line in preserving 
     the right of the children of the United States to receive an 
     education in a crime-free environment, a right that is all 
     too often threatened by the insidious fear caused by violence 
     in schools;
       Whereas 70 peace officers died at the World Trade Center in 
     New York City on September 11, 2001, the most peace officers 
     ever killed in a single incident in the history of the 
     Nation;
       Whereas more than 220 peace officers across the Nation were 
     killed in the line of duty during 2001, 57 percent more 
     police fatalities than the previous year, and the deadliest 
     year for the law enforcement community since 1974;
       Whereas every year, 1 out of every 9 peace officers is 
     assaulted, 1 out of every 25 peace officers is injured, and 1 
     out of every 4,400 peace officers is killed in the line of 
     duty; and
       Whereas on May 15, 2002, more than 15,000 peace officers 
     are expected to gather in Washington, D.C. to join with the 
     families of their recently fallen comrades to honor those 
     comrades and all others who went before them: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes May 15, 2002 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, 
     in honor of Federal, State, and local officers killed or 
     disabled in the line of duty; and
       (2) calls upon the people of the United States to observe 
     this day with appropriate ceremonies and respect.

  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am joined by the chairman and 
ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senators Leahy and 
Hatch, along with several other Senators in submitting this resolution 
to keep alive in the memory of all Americans the sacrifice and 
commitment of those law enforcement officers who lost their lives 
serving their communities. Specifically, this resolution would 
designate May 15, 2002, as National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
  As a former deputy sheriff, I know first-hand the risks which law 
enforcement officers face everyday on the front lines protecting our 
communities. Currently, more than 700,000 men and women who serve this 
Nation as our guardians of law and order do so at a great risk. Every 
year, about 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. There are few 
communities in this country that have not been impacted by the words: 
``officer down.''
  On September 11, 2001, 70 peace officers died at the World Trade 
Center in New York City as a result of a cowardly act of terrorism. 
This single act of terrorism resulted in the highest number of peace 
officers ever killed in a single incident in the history of this 
country. Thirty-seven of those fallen heroes served with the Port 
Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department: twenty-three 
were New York City police officers; three worked for the New York 
Office of Court Administration; five were with the New York Office of 
Tax Enforcement; one was a FBI special agent; and one was a master 
special officer with the U.S. Secret Service. Before this event, the 
greatest loss of law enforcement like in a single incident occurred in 
1917, when nine Milwaukee police officers were killed in a bomb blast 
at their police station.
  In 2001, more than 200 Federal, State and local law enforcement 
officers give their lives in the line of duty. This represents more 
than a 57 percent increase in police fatalities over the previous year. 
And, in total, nearly 15,0000 men and women have made the supreme 
sacrifice.
  The chairman of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 
Craig W. Floyd, reminds us:

       The level of public support and appreciation for our law 
     enforcement officers has increased dramatically since 
     September 11. But the incredible bravery and selfless 
     sacrifice our officers displayed that day was no different 
     than every other day of the year in communities across 
     America. We owe all of our police officers a huge debt of 
     gratitude for the invaluable work they do.

  On May 15, 2002, more than 15,000 peace officers are expected to 
gather in our Nation's Capitol to join with the families of their 
fallen comrades who by their faithful and loyal devotion to their 
responsibilities have rendered a dedicated service to their 
communities. In doing so, these heroes have established for themselves 
an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the rights and 
security of all citizens. This resolution is a fitting tribute for this 
special and solemn occasion.

[[Page S1682]]

  I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting passage of this 
important resolution.

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