[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H2082-H2083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN NORTHWEST OHIO

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to 
honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering service of our law 
enforcement officers.
  In communities I represent across northwest Ohio, I have stood beside 
the families of heroes like Officer Anthony Dia and Officer Brandon 
Stalker who gave their lives protecting Toledo's citizenry.
  I have witnessed the strength of mothers like Larraine Dressel, who 
lost her son, Detective Keith Dressel, in the line of duty. Now, I have 
seen that same strength in his son, Noah, who wears the badge in his 
father's honor.
  Mr. Speaker, it is time to honor these heroes not just in words but 
in deed. I have recently introduced a bipartisan Law Enforcement 
Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act. It will give our 
officers the tools they need to safely respond to behavioral health 
crises. Our officers are not just enforcers of the law, they are often 
the first to meet people in their most broken state.
  They deserve training that protects both the public and themselves. 
Our responsibility is to ensure that no officer's sacrifice is 
forgotten. Let us stand together always for those who serve and for 
those who, in blue, gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our 
northwest Ohio communities. Salute

[[Page H2083]]

them when you see them. They are heroes.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to honor the 
courage, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment of our law enforcement 
officers. Those across the nation and especially those serving across 
NW Ohio.
  Each day, these brave men and women answer the call, often putting 
their lives on the line to protect our families, neighborhoods, and 
freedoms.
  We owe them more than thanks.
  That's why I've worked hard to bring meaningful support to those who 
wear the badge in every county of the eight I represent. In Defiance 
County, nearly $290,000 in funding helped hire a new school resource 
officer, equip the police with body-worn cameras, and strengthen the 
local 911 center and fire and rescue divisions.
  In Erie County, over $1.3 Million was directed to sheriff's 
operations, victim services, local police departments, and enhanced 
school security across multiple districts.
  Fulton County departments, from Archbold to Wauseon, received over 
$1.3 Million to fund school safety, body-worn cameras, and fire and EMS 
support.
  Lucas County's first responders benefited from major investments like 
$2 Million for Toledo's Community-Based Violence Intervention grant, 
and over $76 Million in ARPA funding for police and fire recruitment, 
ShotSpotter technology, and the Real-Time Crime Center. From Oregon's 
rebuilt K-9 unit to Sylvania Township's upgraded equipment and Toledo's 
forensic crime lab, these resources are making a real difference on the 
ground.
  In Ottawa County where we had previously funded construction of the 
largest Customs and Border Patrol facility on the entire northern 
border, police departments received hundreds of thousands in funding 
for police, fire, EMS, and school safety upgrades. And the Ottawa 
County Court and Prosecutor's Office also secured over $450,000 in 
federal justice grants to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism.
  In Sandusky County, law enforcement agencies in Fremont, Gibsonburg, 
and Woodville received body-worn cameras and equipment. Sandusky County 
EMS and school districts received critical safety upgrades as well.
  Williams County's departments secured nearly $400,000 for retention 
incentives, body cameras, and juvenile court services to improve both 
public safety and the administration of justice.
  Northern Wood County also benefited as school districts from Rossford 
to Eastwood and North Baltimore gained enhanced security 
infrastructure. These improvements keep both students and officers 
safe.
  These investments reflect a simple truth: If we ask law enforcement 
to meet the evolving demands of public safety, we must give them the 
tools, training, and support to succeed.
  Let us remember those we've lost in the line of duty and recommit to 
building a future where every officer returns home.
  Your courage does not go unnoticed. Your service is deeply 
appreciated. May you be blessed in your patriotic service.

                          ____________________