[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 64 (Monday, May 3, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3037-S3038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
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SENATE RESOLUTION 511--COMMEMORATING AND ACKNOWLEDGING THE DEDICATION
AND SACRIFICES MADE BY THE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
OFFICERS WHO HAVE BEEN KILLED OR INJURED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
Mr. LEAHY submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on the Judiciary:
S. Res. 511
Whereas the well-being of the people of the United States
is preserved and enhanced as a direct result of the vigilance
and dedication of law enforcement personnel;
Whereas more than 900,000 men and women, at great risk to
their personal safety, serve the people of the United States
as guardians of the peace;
Whereas peace officers are on the front lines in protecting
the schools and schoolchildren of the United States;
Whereas, in 2009, 116 peace officers across the United
States were killed in the line of duty;
Whereas Congress should strongly support initiatives to
reduce violent crime and increase the factors that contribute
to the safety of law enforcement officers, including--
(1) equipment of the highest quality and modernity;
(2) increased availability and use of bullet-resistant
vests;
(3) improved training; and
(4) advanced emergency medical care;
Whereas the names of 18,983 Federal, State, and local law
enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty
protecting the people of the United State are engraved on the
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington,
District of Columbia;
Whereas, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May
15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day;
Whereas, on May 15, 2010, more than 20,000 peace officers
are expected to gather in Washington, District of Columbia,
to join with the families of recently fallen comrades to
honor those comrades and all others who went before the peace
officers: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) commemorates and acknowledges the dedication and
sacrifices made by the Federal, State, and local law
enforcement officers who have been killed or injured in the
line of duty;
(2) recognizes May 15, 2010, as ``National Peace Officers
Memorial Day''; and
(3) calls on the people of the United States to observe
that day with appropriate ceremony, solemnity, appreciation,
and respect.
Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am honored once again to submit this
resolution to the Senate commemorating our Nation's law enforcement
officers and National Peace Officers Memorial Day. The Senate's
official recognition of National Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police
Week is a tradition I am
[[Page S3038]]
proud to carry out each year, and I look forward to the Senate taking
up and passing this resolution.
In 2009, 116 law enforcement officers died while serving in the line
of duty. We honor their memory. Though this is a decrease from 2008, it
is no less tragic a loss to our Federal and State law enforcement
community and to their families and friends. Each year we commemorate
the bravery of so many in law enforcement, and our Nation's peace
officers deserve our commitment to provide them with the tools they
need to stay safe and to do their jobs as effectively as they can.
Currently, more than 900,000 men and women work tirelessly to protect
our communities, our schools, and our children. They investigate and
apprehend the most violent criminals and strive to keep our communities
safe and secure. Since the first recorded police death in 1792, the
names of 18,983 law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate
sacrifice have been added to the National Law Enforcement Officers
Memorial.
I also take this opportunity to recognize that the names of 324
fallen officers will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers
Memorial on May 13 during a candlelight vigil held in their honor.
These are officers from the past and present whose memory will be
preserved for all time at the memorial, ensuring that their bravery and
sacrifice will not be forgotten. I especially want to recognize two
brave Vermonters who gave their lives in the line of duty, and whose
names will be added to the Memorial this year: John Henry Collette of
the Addison County Sheriff's Office, died July 17, 1932, and Robert
Daniel Rossier of the Vermont Highway Patrol, died September 9, 1935.
National Peace Officers Memorial Day provides the people of the
United States, in their communities, in their State capitals, and in
the Nation's Capital, with the opportunity to honor and reflect on the
extraordinary service and sacrifice given year after year by those
members of our police forces. More than 20,000 peace officers are
expected to gather in Washington in the days leading up to May 15, to
join with the families of their fallen comrades. It is right that the
Senate show its respect on this occasion, and I am proud to honor their
service and their memory. I urge all Senators to join me in approving
this resolution.
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