[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 72 (Thursday, May 3, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 113TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE

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                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 3, 2018

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to join the 
brave men and women of Troop N, headquartered in my hometown of 
Hazleton, Pennsylvania, in recognizing the 113th anniversary of the 
Pennsylvania State Police.
  Created by an act of legislation signed into law by Governor Samuel 
Pennypacker on May 2, 1905, the Pennsylvania State Police was the first 
uniformed police organization of its kind in the country. During the 
Great Anthracite Strike of 1902, violence disrupted the peace and 
safety of seven counties, causing a nationwide coal shortage that 
forced President Teddy Roosevelt to intervene. In the aftermath of 
strike, it was decided that peace and order should be maintained by 
responsible officers employed by the public.
  The State Police quickly became vital in Pennsylvania, controlling 
mob violence, patrolling farms, protecting wildlife, and tracking down 
criminals, and later served as a model for other police forces across 
the country. Originally limited to 228 men, the Pennsylvania State 
Police Department now includes nearly 5,000 sworn officers and 2,000 
civilian members, and is dedicated to criminal investigations, traffic 
enforcement, and other public safety services across the Commonwealth.
  These brave men and women put their lives on the line each and every 
day to keep our families and communities safe. This risk is not without 
sacrifice. Since its founding, 98 officers have died in the line of 
duty while serving the Pennsylvania State Police. Let us take a moment 
to honor them, and to thank them for their sacrifice to maintain the 
safety of our communities.
  As we reflect on the past 113 years of this police force, and honor 
those who made the ultimate sacrifice in its service, I also want to 
thank the selfless and courageous officers who are currently serving. 
With National Police Week fast approaching, it is only right that we 
recognize all that our nation's law enforcement officers do to keep us 
safe. The protection they provide is something no one should take for 
granted, and I am forever grateful for their service.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 113th anniversary of 
the Pennsylvania State Police.

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