On the recordMay 12, 2021
Madam President, I rise today to recognize National Police Week and honor the law enforcement officers who selflessly serve and protect our communities. Law enforcement professionals at all levels, from local police forces to sheriff's departments, to State police and Federal law enforcement agencies, leave home each day not knowing what challenges they will experience, but they are ready to face danger head-on. National Police Week is a solemn occasion to honor those who tragically lost their lives while performing their duties. Sadly, last year proved to be particularly dangerous for officers, and 2020 was one of the deadliest years for law enforcement officers in recent memory. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly played a part in that unfortunate reality. This year, the names of 394 officers killed in the line of duty have been etched into the walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial. The deaths of 185 of those individuals were COVID-19 related, including Sergeant James Dancy of the North Little Rock Police Department.
