Joel Hefley: “Mr. Speaker, law enforcement officials from around the country have come in these last few days and today to Washington…”

“Mr. Speaker, law enforcement officials from around the country have come in these last few days and today to Washington, D.C. to commemorate and honor fellow peace officers slain in the line of duty. The National Peace Officers Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifice and commitment to safety that police officers make on our behalf. The National Peace Officer Memorial Resolution, H.R. 116, which is cosponsored by 81 of my colleagues, expresses the gratitude of the House of Representatives for the work that these officers perform. Law enforcement officers face unprecedented risks while protecting our communities and our freedoms. Today over 700,000 men and women place their lives at risk to serve as protectors of law and order. Throughout U.S. history, more than 15,000 men and women serving as peace officers have sacrificed their life for their Nation and community. In the year 2000 alone, 151 Federal, State and local law enforcers gave their lives in the line of duty. To date, 54 have died in 2001; 3 of these 54 come from my home State of Colorado.”