National Police Week 2005

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2005

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Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I rise today to say a few words in honor of our country's many dedicated law enforcement officers, and to thank them for their ongoing efforts to keep our families and communities safe. As my colleagues know, May 15 is National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week that follows marks National Police Week. Throughout this week, the United States honors the courage, devotion, and sacrifice of law enforcement officers from across the Nation, and recognizes their invaluable contributions to the well-being of our country.

First observed in 1962, National Police Week also provides us with an important opportunity to remember those we have lost in the line of duty. One hundred and fifty-three law enforcement officers lost their lives while serving in 2004, including three from my home State. Last month, their names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, offering a stark reminder of the sacrifice all law enforcement personnel stand prepared to make to protect the citizens they serve.

Sadly, Senior Boarder Patrol Agent Jeremy Wilson of Ferndale, Officer James G. Lewis of the Tacoma Police Department, and Sergeant Brad Crawford of the Clark County Sheriff's Department all lost their lives in the line of duty during 2004. The outpouring of community support that accompanied each loss underscores the immense appreciation and compassion felt by Americans for those ready to help in a time of need. I would like to join with my fellow Washingtonians and take a moment to pay tribute to Agent Wilson, Officer Lewis, and Sergeant Crawford for their generous spirit and tireless devotion to duty. By sharing a little bit about each of these officers with you, I hope to help honor their sacrifice.

Currently, there are over 10,000 Federal law enforcement officers deployed along our country's borders. The deserts, wilderness, and rivers that line many of our Nation's edges often present these agents with extreme and trying conditions that can sometimes lead to tragedy. On Sunday, September 19, 2004, Senior Border Patrol Agent Jeremy Wilson fell overboard during a patrol on the Rio Grande near Los Indios, TX. Soon after, the patrol boat capsized, sending the boat's captain and another officer, Agent Travis Attaway, into the turbulent, storm-fed river. A second border patrol boat was able to rescue the boat's captain, but Agents Wilson and Attaway were lost. Agent Wilson, a third generation Border Patrol Agent from Ferndale, WA, was 29 years old. His passing leaves a reminder of the dangers faced by officers who spend each day navigating extreme conditions on our Nation's frontiers.

Often, the randomness and chance surrounding a loss of life makes the event difficult to understand. Routine actions, preformed hundreds of times, can, without warning, end tragically. On Tuesday, April 27, 2004, Officer James G. Lewis, a 19-year veteran of Tacoma Police Department, lost his life when his motorcycle collided with a car that pulled in front of him as he rushed to help a fellow officer who had requested back-up. Officer Lewis was 45 years old. He was a member of Tacoma Pierce County Search & Rescue, and had served as a police officer in the Marine Corps. He is survived by his wife and son. He will be remembered for his willingness to help others and his readiness to put their needs before his own.

While our Nation's police officers spend each day working to limit violence, a call for help can sometimes lead to an outbreak of what law enforcement works so hard to prevent. On Friday, July 30, 2004, Sergeant Brad Crawford of the Clark County Sheriff's Department was killed when his patrol car was intentionally rammed by a truck fleeing the scene of a standoff. Sergeant Crawford was 49 years old. He had served as a law enforcement officer for over two decades and had been with the Clark County Sheriff's Department for 8 years. He is survived by his wife, five children, and three grandchildren.

The untimely and unnecessary loss of Agent Wilson, Officer Lewis, and Sergeant Crawford reminds us of the immense challenges that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. They will each be remembered for their dedication and their desire to serve and help others. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time.

National Police week is a time to remember those we have lost and thank those who continue to serve. However, our gratitude extends far beyond this one week. Local, State, and Federal law enforcement stand ready at every hour, and their unending courage and sense of duty represents the very best of America. On behalf of the citizens of Washington State, I offer my thanks to the men and women who wake up every day, put on a uniform, and set out to make our country an even better place.

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