Mike Levin: “many of our Nation's law enforcement officers have come to Washington, DC, to commemorate National Police Week. I would…”

“many of our Nation's law enforcement officers have come to Washington, DC, to commemorate National Police Week. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize all Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials for their outstanding service and their vital contributions to the safety of our communities. I would also like to honor the memory of those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These officers, and their families, have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of others. The first National Police Week was celebrated in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed an Executive order designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as ``Police Week.'' The weeklong tribute to our Nation's local, State and Federal police officers honors those who died in the line of duty and those who continue to serve and protect us every day at great personal risk. According to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, 1,635 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty in the last 10 years. In 2005 alone, 155 officers lost their lives, including 5 from Michigan. The names of these officers have been permanently engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial along side more than 17,000 others. Sadly, more police officers have lost their lives to guns than to any other cause over the last 10 years. In 2005, 59 officers were shot to death while in the line of duty.…”