[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 5 (Monday, January 9, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E37]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. DOUG COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 9, 2017

  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today--on National Law 
Enforcement Appreciation Day--to honor the commitment, courage, and 
sacrifice of law enforcement officers in Georgia's Ninth District and 
throughout the United States.
  As the son of a Georgia State Trooper, I have always had an 
admiration for the commitment that law enforcement officers make to 
their communities. Despite the challenges and costs that come with the 
oath to protect and serve, these brave men and women diligently work to 
make their communities safe.
  The risk that law enforcement officers take has become all too 
evident, highlighted even more so by incidents in recent months. In 
fact, less than a month ago, Lavonia Police Officer Jeffery Martin and 
Captain Michael Schulman were both shot after stopping a suspect 
driving a stolen vehicle. Thankfully, despite sustaining injuries, both 
of them survived the attack.
  Others haven't been as fortunate. During that week alone, six law 
enforcement officers in Georgia were shot. The enormous risk that these 
officers take every day became the ultimate sacrifice for two of those 
officers, who tragically joined the ranks of the fallen last December. 
They joined 133 fellow law enforcement officers who lost their lives in 
the line of duty in 2016, which saw a 10 percent rise in officer 
fatalities over 2015.
  I ask that we all keep these officers and their families in our 
hearts and prayers. We should remember the sacrifices of law 
enforcement officers every day, but today serves as a particular 
reminder to thank our men and women in blue.
  We must continue to support law enforcement officers throughout the 
country as they tirelessly serve to protect our neighborhoods, 
families, and friends.

                          ____________________