[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 73 (Thursday, May 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

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                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2003

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor those 
police officers who devotedly and selflessly work to protect and serve 
the public on a daily basis. I also pay special tribute to those men 
and women who have given their lives in the line of duty.
  According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation data, 152 law 
enforcement officers lost their lives while protecting our communities 
across America in 2002. Of those 72 died by criminal acts, including 54 
officers shot, two stabbed, four fatally injured in assaults, and 12 
who were killed when somebody drove a vehicle into them. The other 
officers died as a result of accidents.
  During this week of poignant ceremonies, New Mexico remembers three 
police officers from our State who died last year. We honor Officer 
Jeffrey Cole Russell of the Albuquerque Police Department, Police 
Officer Kevin William Schultz of the Pojoaque Pueblo Tribal Police 
Department, and Deputy Sheriff Damacio Montano of the Valencia County 
Sheriff's Department. We will never forget these men who made the 
ultimate sacrifice.
  All Americans should keep alive the memory of these three brave and 
heroic men, and recognize the contributions of the countless other law 
enforcement officers who have either been slain or disabled while 
performing their duties. For these reasons I am a proud member of the 
Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus. Throughout my public career, I 
have done everything that I can to provide for law enforcement. Whether 
it is fighting for the COPS program or working to see the Bulletproof 
Vest Partnership Program be reauthorized, I am eternally grateful for 
the service of our men and women in blue.
  Sadly, in our society today, unless we are personally affected by 
violence or disorder, we often do not realize the dedication of our law 
enforcement officers, and the sacrifices they make to keep our 
communities safe. ``National Police Week'' is an important time for all 
Americans to recognize the role law enforcement officers play in 
safeguarding the rights and freedoms we all enjoy daily and give thanks 
for their countless hours of service.
  Mr. Speaker, we owe a debt of gratitude not only to the slain 
officers who served their communities so courageously by preserving law 
and order, but also to their families, who have lost a spouse, parent 
or child. Our law enforcement officers are heroes and we must never 
forget their contributions and sacrifices--during ``National Police 
Week,'' they are well remembered.

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