Val Demings: “In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week of May 15 as National…”

“In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week of May 15 as National Police Week. Established in 1962 by a joint resolution of this body, National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Last year, in my home State of Florida, we lost 51 law enforcement officers. I pause to honor them today. I was sworn in as a police officer in 1984. I shall never forget my oath or the indescribable feeling of being a police officer. Police officers do it all: they coach little league baseball, football, basketball, they deliver meals to seniors, mentor teens, and buy teddy bears for abused and neglected children. We also know they run to murders, rapes, robberies, burglaries, and other vicious assaults, including domestic violence calls. They respond, without hesitation, hoping and praying for a peaceful resolution, but never really knowing what the outcome will be. This year, 617 new names will be added to the memorial wall, fallen officers who lost their lives through violence, crashes, assaults. There were 439 officers that lost their lives to COVID-19 while doing everything they could to protect and serve their communities. Representing central Florida, I will take a moment, Mr. Speaker, to remember my brother, Orange County Deputy First Class Craig Seijos.…”