Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, each day, police officers nobly protect our families, friends, and neighbors from crime. While it is impossible to suitably thank these brave Americans for the tremendous sacrifices they make, we pause to salute them for their courage, dedication, and service, and to pay our respects to those who have fallen in the line of duty. Peace officers work to improve the quality of life for all of us. For that, they deserve our sincere appreciation and our respect. Every year, one out of every nine peace officers is assaulted, one out of every 25 is injured, and one out of every 4,400 is killed. In the last year alone, 145 police officers were killed in the line of duty. And while this number reflects a decrease in officers killed, each death is a tragedy and a loss to the community, and especially to the families. Sergeant Philip J. O'Reilly of Chicago was killed in an automobile accident while on patrol at 5 a.m. Sunday, March 16, 2003. Sergeant O'Reilly was assigned to the Foster Avenue Police District and had been with the Chicago Police Department for 16 years. He is survived by his wife, six children, and seven siblings. Sergeant O'Reilly's fellow officers remember him as a devoted officer, a tremendous father, and a great man.”