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Urges Increased Resources for First Responders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Steny H. Hoyer, a co-sponsor of H. Res. 788, which supports the goals and ideals of Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, released the following statement today in recognition of National Police Week, observed May 15-19. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15th as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, and the week in which May 15th falls as National Police Week.
“Each year, between 140 and 160 officers are killed in the line of duty and their families and co-workers are left to cope with the tragic loss. Today, we pay homage to those brave men and women that lost their lives in an effort to keep us safe.
“Police officers and law enforcement personnel sacrifice a great deal to protect our communities and it is our duty to provide them with all available resources they need to protect our neighborhoods from harm and to ensure that they are able to safely perform their job.
“I am extremely disappointed that the President’s budget guts funding for programs that assist our local law enforcement agencies by eliminating COPS Law Enforcement Technology Grants and the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance program—a grant program that provides anti-violence, anti-drug and crime prevention funding.
“The COPS program has provided law enforcement officials serving the 5th District with the real time equipment, technology, and personnel that they need to keep their departments running safely and efficiently. Since the creation of COPS in 1994, officers have spent more time on the streets of Maryland fighting and preventing crime through time-saving technology, information-sharing systems, and improved communications equipment. I will work this year to again restore this funding and am hopeful that the Congress will remain committed to the program’s mission.
“As we recognize Police Week, we acknowledge the service and sacrifice of our dedicated law enforcement officials, and say a special prayer for those first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“While America continues to fight a global war on terror, our domestic defenders face an increasingly dangerous task. Today and always, they deserve our gratitude.”
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