NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
May 11, 2009
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following statement on Monday honoring National Police Week:
“This week we commemorate National Police Week, recognizing the service and sacrifice of the many men and women across America in law enforcement. We especially honor those peace officers who have been tragically killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy.
“Over 25 years ago, I served as county judge-executive in Jefferson County, Kentucky, which includes my hometown of Louisville. I got to work with the county’s police force and witness up close their dedication and professionalism.
“In Jefferson County, we pioneered new techniques for tracking down abducted children that met with much success—enough success that other jurisdictions adopted these techniques, eventually leading to Congress’s establishment of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
“Decades later, peace officers in Louisville are still proud to protect and serve, even with their lives in the balance. And those that we’ve lost are not forgotten. I was moved to read in my hometown paper recently an article about a memorial ceremony in Louisville coinciding with National Police Week. Fellow officers and family members of fallen officers gathered to remember them and thank them for their service.
“Police forces across Kentucky reverently mark National Police Week as well. At a service in Richmond, Governor Steve Beshear watched 120 police cadets march at the State Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, while flags were presented to family members of those lost in the performance of their duties.
“And this Friday in Covington, officers will honor their fallen brothers at the Northern Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial.
“This United States Senate has the deepest admiration and respect for police officers in every community in the Nation. We recognize their work is both an honorable job and a dangerous one. They bravely risk their lives for ours, and America is grateful.”
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