[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 61 (Tuesday, May 14, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NATIONAL POLICE OFFICERS WEEK

  Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, each day our Nation's law enforcement 
officers step onto the street, putting their lives on the line to 
protect our communities. These honorable men and women risk so much so 
that others can feel safe.
  New Yorkers owe our State and local law enforcement officers an 
enormous debt of gratitude. The historic drop in crime that we have 
seen in the last few years is truly a reflection of their fine work and 
tireless dedication. The low-crime rate that New York City enjoys today 
would never have been possible without the extraordinary work of the 
New York City Police Department.
  One small step we can take to begin to repay that debt is ensuring 
that our men and women in blue are equipped with the tools they need to 
protect themselves from the constant dangers they face; and that police 
departments around the country have the additional resources they need 
meet new demands placed on them.
  In the past several months, their responsibility have only grown 
larger. From the first moments our country saw NYPD officers at the 
base of the World Trade Center towers, the role of police officers 
around the country was changed forever. The September 11 terrorist 
attacks put communities around America on the frontlines in our war 
against terrorism at home, and our local public safety officers must 
now be prepared for the unimaginable: biological and terrorist attacks.
  We pay tribute to the hard work and sacrifice of our police officers 
not just this week but every day of our lives as we move freely about 
our communities, largely uninhibited by fear and danger. We should take 
a moment to recognize the peace of mind that our local law enforcement 
officers provides us, and life's precious gifts that come with that 
assurance.
  Public service is one of our country's most noble callings and law 
enforcement captures that spirit of sacrifice and devotion to 
community. We thank the families of police officers for their ever 
present courage and selflessness. To the police officers who uphold our 
laws and protect our communities from crime, we give our appreciation, 
admiration and immeasurable pride for the jobs you do every day.




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