Memorializing Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line of Duty

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today also in strong support of this resolution, which recognizes the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers across America every day and honors the bravery of those who have fallen in the line of duty and given the rest of us the last full measure of their devotion. These too often unsung heroes have our eternal gratitude, and we must offer our unwavering support to their families and loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, 111 officers died in the line of duty last year, and 30 more have fallen already in 2026. They leave behind wives and husbands, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, and partners and colleagues to remember them, and we must remember them too.

This year 363 names will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial here in D.C., including two officers from Maryland. I would like to mention Sergeant Brenda J. Lowery of the Cecil County Sheriff's Office died suddenly on June 4, 2024, after working the night shift at the Cecil County Detention Center. Those who knew her recalled how, throughout her nearly two decades of service, she managed to make a positive impact in the lives of not only her fellow deputies, but all those whom she interacted with each day. A dedicated servant to her community and country, Sergeant Lowery, like many officers, was also a military veteran, a veteran of the United States Air Force. She never stopped serving her country and her community.

Former Chief Edward E. Ivey, Jr., of the Fairmount Heights Police Department in Prince George's County has been described by colleagues as a natural leader and a pillar of his community that he served for 28 years. Chief Ivey passed away after an occupational illness on June 14, 2022. He was posthumously honored by the Chiefs of Police Association of Prince George's County with their Hall of Fame Award.

America's law enforcement officers set out every single day to protect our people. They protect our neighborhoods, our loved ones, our businesses, our schools, our property, and even this building and the people who work within it when called upon to do so.

We recognize that our sworn officers do not make these sacrifices alone. Every day, their families live with the knowledge that their loved one may not return home after the shift. These families, too, bear the heavy burdens of their profession, and we honor them today, as well.

Today, I ask all of our colleagues to join us in honoring all the men and women who took the oath, dedicating their lives to our communities with honor, duty, and courage and who have fallen in the line of duty. We remain committed to remembering them and honoring them. They will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I will close with this.

The observance of National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day marks a time of solemn remembrance when our Nation comes together to honor the courage, the sacrifice, and the dedication of the noble law enforcement officers and personnel all across the country and right here in Washington, D.C., and on the Capitol itself who promote our safety and our security.

Let us rededicate ourselves to awareness of their service to our communities and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the sponsors of this resolution for upholding and honoring the spirit of this moment. I thank my friend from North Carolina for his remarks. I ask all colleagues to support H. Res. 1252, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered.

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