[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 81 (Friday, May 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E955]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E955]]
                  NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM H. PUTNAM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 16, 2008

  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, a society cannot function properly without a 
means to enforce its laws and protect itself. However, we know all too 
well that safety and security does not come without a price. National 
Peace Officers Memorial Day was established to honor the men and women 
who have paid that price and I rise today to pay tribute to the one 
hundred and eighty-one federal, state and local law enforcement 
officers who gave their lives in 2007.
  Sadly, Florida lost sixteen officers last year, two of which were 
from central Florida. On April 13th, Lieutenant Delmar Teagan of the 
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission died in an automobile 
accident in Polk County. Then, on August 15th, Hillsborough County 
Sheriff's Sergeant Ronald Harrison was killed by a gunman in Brandon, 
Florida.
  These officers provided communities with safety and security and we 
are indebted to their service. Like so many of our nation's law 
enforcement officers willing to work in harm's way, Lieutenant Teagan 
and Sergeant Harrison are true heroes.
  Since 1962, National Peace Officers Memorial Day has been observed on 
May 15th. This is a time when thousands of law enforcement officers 
descend upon our Nation's capital to remember and honor their fallen 
colleagues. Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are with these men 
and women as they gather to recognize the officers who died in the line 
of duty while serving the people of this great Nation.

                          ____________________