[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4743]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



            PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER MEDAL OF VALOR ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JIM LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2001

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
802, the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act, which would create a 
national medal for public safety officers who exhibit extraordinary 
heroism in the line of duty.
  As someone who once aspired to serve in law enforcement and a proud 
member of both the Congressional Law Enforcement and Firefighters 
Caucuses, I deeply admire those who devote their lives to public 
safety.
  We are blessed to have dedicated men and women public safety 
officials throughout this nation who consistently risks their lives on 
a daily basis to protect our families and communities. It is absolutely 
critical that we recognize these loyal public servants and ensure that 
the risks that these brave individuals assume in the course of their 
duties are not taken for granted.
  Although many local public safety organizations honor those who have 
demonstrated bravery, the federal government does little to reward and 
recognize these individuals. By passing the Public Safety Officer Medal 
of Valor Act, Congress would have the unique opportunity to express its 
appreciation for the unnoticed acts of valor committed by public safety 
officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Further, this 
legislation will help send a positive message across the country that 
our public safety officers deserve our utmost respect for their service 
and sacrifices.
  I will continue to applaud the courage and dedication to duty of all 
public safety officers and would strongly urge my colleagues to support 
the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act.

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