[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 368-369]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING AMERICA'S PEACE OFFICERS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 9, 2015

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, everyday men and women of the police 
force put on their uniform and head out into the unknown. They 
encounter callous criminals and outlaws who have no regard for the law 
or their fellow man.
  But yet every day, these police officers still get up and put on the 
uniform. They bravely face what could very well be some of the most 
dangerous situations and potentially their last moments on this Earth 
as they work to protect us: our families, our friends, our children. 
Because that's what they do, they work to restore and maintain peace in 
our communities and neighborhoods.
  When New York Police Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu woke up on 
the morning of December 20th to put on their uniform, they had no idea 
it would be their last day. The two patrol officers were sitting in 
their squad car, working overtime, when a hateful and spiteful criminal 
struck. The ruthless murderer shot and killed the two officers in cold 
blood.
  Officer Ramos and Officer Liu's lives were robbed from them.
  Officer Liu was married only two months before, and now his wife is 
left as a widow. Officer Ramos was a devoted husband and father, active 
in his church with plans to join the ministry. These two men of solid 
character, were targeted and attacked. So much hate has been hurled at 
police officers.
  Recently, two more New York Police Officers were shot while 
investigating a robbery call in the Bronx when they were shot and 
wounded by criminals. The disrespect of our law enforcement must stop. 
The soulless thugs who hunt down police officers and kill them have to 
be punished to the highest degree.
  Underneath these uniforms are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, cousins 
and friends. Protecting us is their job. It is their duty to bring 
safety to our communities, to separate anarchy from order, and to bring 
justice to crime victims. No police officer should have to be any more 
fearful than they already are for their life while on patrol.
  As Americans, we must let them know that we support them and are 
grateful for all they do for our communities. A nationwide campaign 
called Project Blue Light was launched to show support for the special 
men and women in our police force.
  A single blue light in a window or front porch shows support for our 
peace officers. Neighborhoods, communities and towns should beam the 
glow of blue in support of these community warriors. Take the time to 
thank a police officer.
  To many, the unknown is terrifying, but to police officers, it's just 
another day. Today, on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we 
lift up all those who put their lives on the line every single day for 
us. They deserve the utmost respect and support not just today but 
every day of the year.
  During my other life, I was a prosecutor and criminal court judge in 
Houston, Texas. I have known and still know individuals who wear the 
badge or the star over their heart. Some of those peace officers I knew 
gave their lives for the safety of others.
  Peace officers put their lives between us and criminals. They stand 
between the law and the lawless. I have had the opportunity to know 
peace officers from all over the U.S.--including New York and 
especially New York City.
  Years ago, I taught at the New York State Police Academy. After those 
folks from New York and I got through the language barrier, I found 
them to be some of New York's finest of people--some of the best peace 
officers in the country.

[[Page 369]]

  Peace officers are necessary in our society because some in our 
country refuse to follow the law. Ironically, we hire these men and 
women to do society's dirty work then society criticizes them for their 
actions.
  Peace officers are the last strand of wire in the fence between the 
fox and the chickens. They have earned and deserve our respect. America 
should mourn the ambush and assassination of all those in law 
enforcement who have given their lives for order in America--especially 
the men in blue of New York.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________