[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10905]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and heartfelt 
gratitude that I take this time to honor the brave men and women of our 
law enforcement services. It is with the deepest admiration that I pay 
tribute to the men and women throughout Northwest Indiana and the 
entire country who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of 
duty. Each year, the Highland, Indiana Fraternal Order of Police, 
Donald R. Sheppard Lodge Number 122, and the Highland Police Department 
honor these individuals for their courage and their commitment to 
protecting their communities at all costs. Annually, two fallen 
officers of the Highland Police Department, Officer Donald R. Sheppard, 
killed in the line of duty in November 1971, and Officer Robert J. 
Markley, killed in the line of duty in March 1978, are remembered for 
their service to the Highland community and for their sacrifice.
  This year, the Highland Fraternal Order of Police and the Highland 
Police Department will recognize these fallen heroes, as well as all of 
the law enforcement officers across the United States, who have given 
their lives for the protection of our great country. These fine men and 
women will be honored at a memorial service during Law Enforcement 
Memorial Week, on Saturday, May 12, 2007, at the Highland Town Hall/
Police Department.
  As a nation, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the men and 
women of the law enforcement community. Currently, there are over 
870,000 law enforcement officers in the United States. Each day, these 
selfless individuals start their shifts with one goal in mind: to serve 
and to protect the citizens of their communities. The one constant they 
face is the uncertainty of what each day will bring, knowing all too 
well that in any situation, there is the potential for danger. Still, 
these everyday heroes honor the commitment they have made to the people 
they serve.
  Law enforcement officers throughout the nation have always 
exemplified dedication and loyalty, not only to those they serve, but 
to each other as well. Throughout the United States, many law 
enforcement organizations will hold memorials to honor their fallen 
brothers and sisters. In Indiana alone, more than 345 officers have 
been killed in the line of duty, while the total number of fallen 
officers in the United States is over 17,900.
  These real life heroes are remembered for their courage and bravery 
as they gave their lives to protect their communities and our way of 
life. These men and women exemplify the valor and strength of our 
country and its citizens.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in commending and acknowledging the men and women of the law 
enforcement community, both in Northwest Indiana and throughout the 
United States. I also ask that you join me in honoring the memory of 
all fallen law enforcement officers throughout the United States, 
especially Officer Donald R. Sheppard and Officer Robert J. Markley, 
for making the ultimate sacrifice for their communities. These selfless 
individuals are worthy of the highest honor and respect.

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