National Police Week 2025

Floor Speech

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Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, as our Nation comes together to observe National Police Week, we honor the courageous men and women in law enforcement who have given their lives in service to others.

This is a time of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude--a moment to recognize not only those fallen heroes, but also the families, friends, and loved ones who share in their sacrifice and carry the weight of their loss.

In my home State of Mississippi and across the country, law enforcement officers serve on the frontlines with unwavering dedication. Despite increasing challenges and adversity, they show up every day--facing risk and uncertainty--not for the recognition, but out of a deep commitment to protect and serve their fellow citizens. Their courage is matched by the strength of their families, who live with the daily reality of what that service demands.

These public servants are more than officers. They are mentors, protectors, neighbors, community leaders, and patriots. In Mississippi, we are blessed with extraordinary individuals who wear the badge with honor and integrity. Every life lost in the line of duty is a tragedy that affects us all.

Today, I want to specifically honor the four Mississippi officers whose names have been added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year--four heroes who protected our communities, four heroes whose legacy will never be forgotten.

We remember: Jeremy Todd Malone, a George County Sheriff's deputy who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in January 2024. He served in law enforcement for 21 years and is survived by his wife, three daughters, mother, and two brothers.

We remember: Troy Lamar Floyd, a Summit Police Department patrolman who was shot and killed in August 2024 while conducting a checkpoint. Patrolman Floyd had served in law enforcement for more than 20 years and is survived by his wife and children.

We remember: Michael Elaine Griffin, a government affairs liaison and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who died in the line of duty in September 2023 after encountering a car accident involving a partially overturned vehicle, which unfortunately shifted and fell on top of him. After retiring from the Mississippi Highway Patrol with 34 years of service, he served as a sworn officer with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for 2 years until he passed away. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

And we remember: Robert Daye Daffin, Jr., a narcotics agent who served with the George County Sheriff's Office for more than 14 years. He died in 2021 from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty and is survived by his daughter, parents, and three siblings.

We honor their memory and stand beside their families with enduring respect.

Remembrance must also inspire action. Supporting law enforcement means ensuring our officers have the tools, resources, support, and safety that they deserve on and off duty. It also means fostering a climate of respect and appreciation for the burdens they and their loved ones carry.

I remain steadfast in my commitment to those who wear the uniform and to the families who sacrifice alongside them. Their service deserves not only our gratitude but also our unwavering support.

Let us come together this week and throughout the year to honor their service, remember their sacrifices, and renew our promise to stand with those who protect our communities. May God bless our fallen heroes, their families, all who serve in law enforcement, and the United States of America.

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