[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 12, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1299, 
which recognizes the men and women who have given their lives in the 
line of duty as law enforcement officers. This is an important measure 
that pays tribute to the selfless men and women who lost their lives as 
they worked to protect the American people. These brave individuals 
deserve our national gratitude for their sacrifice.
  I thank Chairman Conyers for his leadership in bringing this bill to 
the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman 
Poe, for his dedication to ensuring that the men and women who protect 
our families and communities are honored for their bravery, service, 
and sacrifice.
  Careers in law enforcement are inherently dangerous and the men and 
women who decide to serve as police officers should be commended for 
their bravery. Today, there are more than 900,000 law enforcement 
officers in the United States who risk their lives every day to protect 
our communities. Following the horrific terrorist attacks of September 
11, 2001, more than seventy law enforcement officers were killed while 
rescuing victims and restoring a sense of order during this time of 
national tragedy. September 11, 2001, was the deadliest day for law 
enforcement officers in the history of our nation.
  More than 18,600 law enforcement officers have been killed in the 
line of duty throughout the history of the United States. These police 
officers were killed while responding to disturbance calls, making 
arrests in robberies, investigating suspicious circumstances, making 
traffic stops, and countless other efforts to protect the American 
people and ensure the safety of our communities.
  In my district in Long Beach, California, 28 police officers have 
died in the line of duty. In a Peace Officers Memorial Day tribute, 
Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster eloquently stated, ``All of our officers 
and firefighters chose a profession where they could no longer sit 
still and proclaim that somebody should do something. Thinking about 
taking action and actually taking action is what separates the good 
from the great; the well intentioned from the heroes.'' I agree with 
Mayor Foster. Law enforcement officers are true American heroes.
  I salute the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers at 
the Federal, State, and local levels. I extend my deepest sympathy to 
the loved ones of police officers who have been killed while working to 
protect the American people.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1299.

                          ____________________