[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 83 (Thursday, May 13, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2516-S2517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

  Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, it is a solemn honor to recognize 
National Police Week. Each year, we dedicate this week to express our 
admiration and gratitude to all of the law enforcement officers working 
to keep us safe. We also take this time to remember those who have paid 
the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty over the past year.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  On page S2516, May 13, 2021, second column, the following 
appears: Ms. SMITH. Mr. President, it is a solemn honor to 
recognize National Police Week. Each year, we dedicate this week 
to express our admiration and gratitude to all of the law 
enforcement officers working to keep us safe. We also take this 
time to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the 
line of duty over the past year.
  
  The online Record has been corrected to read: Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. 
Mr. President, it is a solemn honor to recognize National Police 
Week. Each year, we dedicate this week to express our admiration 
and gratitude to all of the law enforcement officers working to 
keep us safe. We also take this time to remember those who have 
paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty over the past 
year.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 


  Law enforcement officers face many challenges in their mission to 
protect and serve. I greatly admire members of the law enforcement 
community who remain steadfast amidst the dangers of their noble 
profession.
  To all the law enforcement officers across the State of Mississippi, 
I want to say to you that I am in Washington, DC, as your Senator to 
support you and to work to ensure you have what you need to do your 
job. You are truly our hometown heroes. You are the thin blue line 
keeping our families and our communities safe.
  The loss of any officer deeply affects entire communities beyond 
their own department, and the ramifications for their family and 
friends are heartbreaking.
  This Police Week, we honor and mourn three heroes from Mississippi, 
officers who died in the line of duty last year.
  Monroe County Deputy Sheriff Dylan Scott Pickle, 24, died on July 26, 
2020, while on duty after a vehicle struck him during a safety 
checkpoint operation. Dylan, a decorated veteran awarded three medals 
for his heroism in Syria, knew at an early age that he wanted to serve 
his community and his country. An Amory native and an Itawamba 
Community College graduate, Deputy Pickle's life of service was cut 
short soon after earning a promotion within the sheriff's department. 
He leaves behind his mother, a sister, a brother, and stepsister.
  Simpson County Sheriff Deputy James Harold Blair lost his life on 
July 12, 2020, after a subject he was transporting fatally wounded him. 
This 77-year-old grandfather served in law enforcement honorably for 
more than 50 years in Simpson County, Lincoln County, Pike County, and 
Louisiana. He even worked as a crossing guard for his grandchildren's 
school. Deputy Sheriff Blair leaves behind a large grieving family, 
including his wife, 3 sons, 4 daughters, 17 grandchildren, and 48 
great-grandchildren.
  Correctional Officer Marshall Lee ``Bem'' London, Jr., 66, of the 
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, passed away May 18, 2020. A 16-year 
veteran of the sheriff's office, Bem is among the tragic number of law 
enforcement officers who succumbed to COVID-19 last year while serving 
the public. A dedicated family man, Deputy London is survived by his 
children and grandchildren.
  As a lasting tribute, the names of these three brave officers will be 
added this year to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in 
Washington, DC.
  In addition to these recent losses, the National Law Enforcement 
Officers Memorial will now also bear the names of three DeSoto County 
sheriff's deputies who died in the line of duty 123 years ago. Deputy 
Sheriffs Henry R. Campbell, William C. Cooper, and Carter I. Jones lost 
their lives on May 18, 1898, while attempting to arrest a father and 
son wanted for four murders. Even after more than a century, we still 
remember loss and honor their service.
  Then and now, our law enforcement offices face tremendous dangers as 
they work to ensure the public safety and enforce the law. Today, all 
officers must deal with unprecedented challenges, pressures, and 
scrutiny. Supporting our law enforcement ought to be uncontroversial. 
Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
  As we mark National Police Week, let us embrace the memories of these 
fallen officers as a cause to redouble our commitment to supporting law 
enforcement. I assure you that I will continue to be an advocate for 
law enforcement professionals and do my very best to honor the legacy 
of all those lost in the line of duty.
  To the families of Deputy Pickle, Deputy Blair, and Officer London, I 
know you have faced enormous loss. I want you to know that you are 
continually in our prayers.

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