S.Res. 472

A resolution commemorating and acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice made by the men and women who have lost their lives while serving as law enforcement officers.

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III

109th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 472

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

May 10, 2006

Mr. Leahy (for himself, Mr. Frist, Mr. Reid, Mr. Biden, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Obama, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Brownback, Mr. Graham, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Allen, Ms. Cantwell, and Mr. Kyl) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Commemorating and acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice made by the men and women who have lost their lives while serving as law enforcement officers.

Whereas the well-being of all citizens of the United States is preserved and enhanced as a direct result of the vigilance and dedication of law enforcement personnel;

Whereas more than 900,000 men and women, at great risk to their personal safety, presently serve their fellow citizens as guardians of peace;

Whereas peace officers are on the front lines in preserving the right of the children of the United States to receive an education in a crime-free environment, a right that is all too often threatened by the insidious fear caused by violence in schools;

Whereas 156 peace officers across the United States were killed in the line of duty during 2005, which is below the decade-long annual average of 167 deaths;

Whereas a number of factors contributed to this reduction in deaths, including—

(1)

better equipment and increased use of bullet-resistant vests;

(2)

improved training;

(3)

longer prison terms for violent offenders; and

(4)

advanced emergency medical care;

Whereas every other day, 1 out of every 16 peace officers is assaulted, 1 out of every 56 peace officers is injured, and 1 out of every 5,500 peace officers is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States; and

Whereas on May 15, 2006, more than 20,000 peace officers are expected to gather in Washington, D.C., to join with the families of their recently fallen comrades to honor those comrades and all others who went before them: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

recognizes May 15, 2006, as Peace Officers Memorial Day, in honor of the Federal, State, and local officers that have been killed or disabled in the line of duty; and

(2)

calls on the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies and respect.