BY REP. PHIL ROE
This week is National Police Week, a week to honor the men and women serving our communities every day to keep us safe. When I was mayor of Johnson City, and since coming to Congress, I’ve seen our local police officers go out of their way to allow East Tennesseans to participate in democracy. They stand in as security at town hall meetings; patrol parades; and look after our district offices. In Congress, we are also fortunate to be protected by the wonderful officers of the United States Capitol Police. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate their efforts to make the First District and our country a better, safer place for our children and grandchildren.
National Police Week was originally created by President John F. Kennedy when he signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. This memorial service started in 1962, and has now evolved into a week-long event in which we honor and respect those who wear blue through several different events in our Nation’s Capital each year. The National Peace Officers Memorial Service is one of many events that pays tribute to the law enforcement officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. This week offers a unique opportunity to remember those who gave their lives protecting others, and those who are still on the front lines of duty each and every day.
As our country continues to engage in a debate about the role of law enforcement in today’s society, I think it’s more important than ever to say thank you to the men and women who wake up every morning, put the badge on, and serve and protect us. The officers who I’ve come to know in East Tennessee and here in Congress are dedicated public servants who take their oaths very seriously. The families of these officers live every single day with the fear of what could happen to their loved ones. They deserve to know we have their back too.
This week, Congress is taking up H.Res. 285, a bipartisan resolution that supports the creation of police and community alliances to enhance and improve communication and collaboration between the law enforcement community and the public. By encouraging increased dialogue, we hope this resolution will help establish greater trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Further, the House will also consider H.R. 613, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Correctional Officer Self-Protection Act this week. This bill will allow corrections officers to store firearms in lockers on prison grounds in order to protect themselves when they go to and from work.
Police week is a great opportunity for all Americans to express their appreciation for law enforcement. Please join me in continuing to pray for these individuals and their families. I’m proud to join Congress and President Trump in showing our strong support for those who guard the heart of our democracy.
As always, feel free to contact my office if I can be of assistance to you or your family.