[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 43 (Thursday, March 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E408-E409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     MARCH: CRIMINAL JUSTICE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2008

  Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 945, a 
resolution that establishes March 2008 as ``National Criminal Justice 
Month.''
  Prior to joining this body, I worked for 33 years as a member of the 
King County Sheriff's Office, eventually becoming the elected Sheriff 
of King County in 1997. I could not agree more with the sentiments of 
this Resolution and want to personally thank each one of the 
approximately three million Americans working within our nation's 
criminal justice system today.
  I know a job in the criminal justice system, no matter what it is, 
can often be thankless and tiring. The pressures of family, life and 
service can be overwhelming. I also know the physical and mental 
toughness that is required to perform these duties. However, the 
excitement of a job well done and the respect given to these heroic men 
and women outweigh the sometimes unpleasant challenges they face.

[[Page E409]]

  Those who serve in our criminal justice system today are tasked not 
only with protecting our communities and neighborhoods but also with 
protecting our homeland and serving on the front lines of our war 
against terrorism. Within this framework, the job these brave public 
servants are doing is truly remarkable. Although sometimes it is hard 
to feel and see, the gratitude of the American people and this body for 
our dedicated public servants will not waver.
  I ask--as the Resolution does--that we all look seriously at how we 
as individuals can prevent and respond to crime to help the public 
servants we too often take for granted.

                          ____________________