2024 Senate Resolution 119

Whereas, In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, while the calendar week in which May 15th falls is also known as National Police Week; and

Whereas, National Police Week was established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, paying special recognition to those law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty or for the safety and protection of others; and

Whereas, There are more than 700,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including the approximately 17,000 full-time uniformed police officers in Michigan; and

Whereas, Members of law enforcement deserve the appreciation and respect of our citizens for the merit, dignity, bravery, and reliability they exhibit each and every day. We must also honor the sacrifices made by families of police officers, as each day they must face constant concern as their loved ones work to protect us; and

Whereas, In 2023, 125 law enforcement officers were killed and many more assaulted in the line of duty across the country. The names of these dedicated public servants who made the ultimate sacrifice are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.; and

Whereas, Michigan’s fallen officers will never be forgotten, nor will their service to their respective communities. By choosing to serve as law enforcement officers, these courageous individuals answered the call for service and willingly put their lives in jeopardy to protect; and

Whereas, We applaud them for recognizing service as their honorable career, securing the public safety, and commend those who serve without incident to date; and

Whereas, Michigan citizens have turned to members of law enforcement for assistance and support in times of distress, whether they are coping with a personal crisis, bearing the strains of a pandemic, or struggling through civil disorder or a natural disaster; and

Whereas, Our communities rely on these courageous individuals when it is difficult to stand on our own. We are indebted to the unwavering public service of our local and state police and are both fortunate and grateful for the contributions of law enforcement officers to the people of Michigan; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate May 12-18, 2024, as Police Week. We openly salute the law enforcement officers in our communities, in addition to those in our state and country, and honor police who sacrifice their lives for the safety and security of all.