Supporting the Goals and Ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day

SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY -- (House of Representatives - May 11, 2004)

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, each day, police officers nobly protect our families, friends, and neighbors from crime. While it is impossible to suitably thank these brave Americans for the tremendous sacrifices they make, we pause to salute them for their courage, dedication, and service, and to pay our respects to those who have fallen in the line of duty. Peace officers work to improve the quality of life for all of us. For that, they deserve our sincere appreciation and our respect.

Every year, one out of every nine peace officers is assaulted, one out of every 25 is injured, and one out of every 4,400 is killed. In the last year alone, 145 police officers were killed in the line of duty. And while this number reflects a decrease in officers killed, each death is a tragedy and a loss to the community, and especially to the families.

Sergeant Philip J. O'Reilly of Chicago was killed in an automobile accident while on patrol at 5 a.m. Sunday, March 16, 2003. Sergeant O'Reilly was assigned to the Foster Avenue Police District and had been with the Chicago Police Department for 16 years. He is survived by his wife, six children, and seven siblings.

Sergeant O'Reilly's fellow officers remember him as a devoted officer, a tremendous father, and a great man. It is our duty as Americans to honor the service of men and women like Sergeant O'Reilly who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may all sleep a little easier at night knowing that our community and our world is a safer place.

On Saturday, May 20, Sergeant O'Reilly's name will be among the 362 fallen officers who will be officially added to a memorial at a candlelight vigil. I support the goals and ideals of Police Officers Memorial Day to honor Federal, State, and local peace officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. And I call upon the people of the United States to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and respect.

You can never give more than your life, and these men and women give the very best of what they have.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would simply congratulate the gentleman from Colorado for his introduction of this legislation and urge its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

END