Political Quotes

“I rise during Police Week to honor the brave men and women in North Carolina and across the Nation who serve in law enforcement. Thousands of officers and their families come to our Nation's Capital every year to pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our communities. Each name added to the memorial wall represents a story of courage, selflessness, and sacrifice. Unfortunately, North Carolinians know all too well about that kind of sacrifice. Today, I want to honor three heroes who we lost in North Carolina since last year's Police Week in May 2024. Last September, North Carolina was hit by Hurricane Helene, one of the worst natural disasters in the State's history. The historic flooding and devastation caused by Helene required an all-out effort by first responders, who were working around the clock. One of those first responders was Court Officer James Lau. Officer Lau's vehicle was swept away by unexpected floodwaters from a river, in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Officer Lau was a Vietnam veteran, and his law enforcement career spanned nearly four decades across 3 States. In fact, Officer Lau was 75 years old. He was already fully retired, but he continued to serve his community as a security officer at the Macon County Courthouse. He is survived by his wife, five children, and four grandchildren.”