National Police Week

Floor Speech

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Ms. GILLEN. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of National Police Week, and on behalf of New York's Fourth Congressional District, I am proud to stand here today to honor our brave men and women in law enforcement. Every day, our officers are on the front lines of the most urgent public safety challenges in service to our community.

When disaster strikes and people are in need, our law enforcement officers are the first to respond. Despite the risks, the long hours, and the constant stress, hundreds of thousands of officers wake up each day, put on their badge, and answer the call. They do it for us, for our loved ones, and for our communities.

This week serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers that our officers face daily. Without law enforcement, we would not enjoy the security we often take for granted. With courage and with bravery, our officers run toward danger every day to keep us and our loved ones safe.

Today, we honor Nassau County's own who gave their lives in the line of duty. Among them are Officers Erick Contreras, Christopher Cizmarik, Kevin Canavan, and Philip Schifini of the Nassau County Police Department who bravely served our community on 9/11, one of the darkest days in American history.

In the aftermath of the worst terrorist attack on American soil, they are among the brave first responders who ran toward danger, working tirelessly among the toxic rubble at Ground Zero. Years later, all four would tragically lose their lives caused by the toxins that they were exposed to in their heroic efforts. This is a painful reminder of the lasting cost of their selfless service.

Unfortunately, thousands of our heroic law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel who bravely answered the call on the darkest day in our Nation's history continue to suffer from life- threatening cancers, respiratory diseases, and other debilitating conditions from the toxins at Ground Zero.

That is why I was proud to help reintroduce the bipartisan 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act, which would permanently fix the current funding shortfalls in the World Trade Center Health Program.

We owe it to our 9/11 first responders to ensure that the programs they rely on will be fully funded and fully staffed.

In addition, last year, we also lost Officer Jonathan Diller who proudly served with the NYPD. Tragically, he was killed last year while conducting a routine traffic stop in Queens.

In just 3 years on the force, Detective Diller made over 70 arrests and was honored with three Excellent Police Duty medals. His colleagues remember him as a bright, positive presence, always eager to learn, deeply dedicated, and truly passionate about the job he loved.

The names I mentioned are not just names on a list. They were fathers, brothers, sons, and friends. They were pillars in their department and in their communities, whose courage will never be forgotten, and their sacrifice will never be in vain.

On behalf of all of Long Island, we will never forget those who laid down their lives in service to others. As we mark Police Week, may God bless the officers who gave up their lives to keep Americans safe and may He give their loved ones comfort.

Mr. Speaker, I thank, honor, and stand with all of our officers, past, present, and future.

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