Tribute to Police Officers During National Law Enforcement Week

TRIBUTE TO POLICE OFFICERS DURING NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT WEEK -- (House of Representatives - May 13, 2004)

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Chocola). Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 7, 2003, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak) is recognized for 60 minutes.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to address a couple of issues tonight, but first would like to start with National Law Enforcement Week. This week Congress has paid tribute to our law enforcement officers and first responders who so bravely protect and serve, often putting their own lives at risk. On September 11, 2001, many in this Nation and this Congress have come to recognize the importance of the sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers. As a former police officer and a Michigan State Police trooper as well as founder of the Law Enforcement Caucus and cochair of this caucus, this week has significant meaning to me. The focus of this important week will take place tonight at 8 o'clock, actually right about now, when this Nation pauses to add the names of the officers who have been killed in the line of duty. The addition of the officers' names to the memorial is one way our Nation can commemorate its fallen heroes who have died in the line of duty. This week allows peace officers and their families to gather together in one place and to honor those who have lost their lives.

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The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) could not be here tonight because unfortunately he is at a memorial service for a State trooper who was just killed in Maryland. The gentleman from Maryland asked me to read his statement into the RECORD. At this time I will do so.

"The 958,000 Americans who make up the Nation's Federal, State and local police forces live the true meaning of duty, sacrifice and honor each day. They routinely put their lives on the line to enforce the laws that govern our society. Officers keep the streets safe, they pursue those who would steal from our homes and businesses and protect us from those who would prey on our children and our elderly.

"Tonight we especially remember Maryland State Trooper Anthony Jones who was killed this week while on duty assisting another trooper. Trooper First Class Jones every day exemplified the service and sacrifice that we honor this week. As the recipient of awards for his valor and bravery and as the anticipated recipient of the "Top Cop" award from the College Park Barracks this month, Trooper Jones demonstrated a commitment to public service and a sincere desire to protecting and serving our community.

"Trooper First Class Jones joined the State police after retiring from the United States Air Force in 1998. He spent his entire police career working as a road patrol trooper. He was on patrol duty early Sunday morning when he stopped shortly after 2 a.m. to assist another trooper working at the scene of a single-vehicle crash in Prince George's County.

"Investigators said Jones crossed the four-lane highway on foot to remove a tire that was part of the accident debris and was making his way back across the road, using a flashlight to warn oncoming traffic, when he was struck and killed.

"Every day, law enforcement officers like Trooper Jones risk their lives in dangerous situations on our highways and roads to protect the citizens who travel along our roadways. This week we join together in commemorating Trooper Jones and all of the law enforcement officers whose brave deeds led them to make the ultimate sacrifice, or left them disabled.

"Trooper Jones is the 39th Maryland trooper to die in the line of duty. This week we say a special prayer for the 145 Federal, State and local law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty just last year. The Joneses and all of the families and loved ones of fallen officers must know that a grateful Nation mourns their loss and shares their pain.

"As we pay tribute to law enforcement officials who have fallen in the line of duty, we especially honor Trooper First Class Jones. His service to our country and to his community will long be remembered with the utmost gratitude and respect.

[Time: 20:15]

"Although we do not often thank them for it, officers like Trooper Jones help protect our most cherished rights as laid out by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence: The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We owe these fine and hardworking people a great deal for their contribution to our freedom and security.

"The words of John F. Kennedy strike a cord this week," when he said, " 'a Nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors and the men it remembers.' As these valiant men and women died because they made it their duty to protect and serve, it is our duty to honor and remember them for their selfless contribution to our communities."

That concludes the gentleman from Maryland's (Mr. Hoyer) statement.

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