[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING POLICE OFFICERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS DURING 
                              POLICE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2009

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 426, a 
resolution that honors and celebrates National Peace Officers' Memorial 
Service Observance Day on May 15, 2009 and National Police Week, May 
11-15, 2009.
  President John F. Kennedy first proclaimed May 15th as National Peace 
Officers' Memorial Day. Every year on this day, we celebrate the lives 
and honor the deaths of our fallen law enforcement officers. We also 
recognize the important role that our peace officers play in the daily 
lives of all citizens, and the responsibilities, hazards, and 
sacrifices of their work.
  As a former police officer, I salute those law enforcement officers 
who died in the line of duty in 2008 and continue to honor those police 
officers who gave their lives in past years. I join my colleagues on 
the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus in urging continued support 
for programs, such as the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) 
program, to hire additional police officers and help law enforcement 
acquire the latest crime-fighting technologies.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and paying 
respect to our fallen heroes. In these difficult and changing times, we 
honor their work to protect our communities and families and promote 
safety and peace on our streets. I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution.

                          ____________________