Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today marked National Police Week with the following statement honoring the contributions of Rhode Island’s law enforcement community, which will appear in the Congressional record:
“National Police Week pays special honor to the law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of our citizens and communities. I am proud to cosponsor the resolution designating National Police Week as we recognize the service and spirit of all the officers who diligently exhibit what Victor Hugo called “conscience in the service of justice.”
“I am especially grateful for the men and women of Rhode Island’s local and state police who put their lives on the line every day to keep our families safe. As a former U.S. Attorney and state attorney general, I have worked closely with some of Rhode Island’s finest police officers, and I believe they are among the best in the country. Supporting the vital mission of the police and fostering strong relationships between our communities and law enforcement was a top priority for me in those roles. Here in the Senate, I remain committed to supporting our brave law enforcement officers, their departments, and their families.
“I met this week with Colonel James Mendonca, Chief of the Central Falls Police Department and president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. Under his leadership, the association is working to make Rhode Island a national leader in gun violence prevention, drunk driving awareness, and community engagement.
“Law enforcement officers are the guardians of our communities, often paying the ultimate price for our safety. As we recognize the service and sacrifice of the law enforcement community this National Police Week, I am particularly mindful of the names of some 50 officers from Rhode Island etched onto the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, including some federal officers who died while on duty in Rhode Island.
In the words of the old hymn:
Now the laborer’s task is o’er;
Now the battle day is past . . .
Father, in Thy gracious keeping
Leave we now thy servant sleeping.
“In Rhode Island and across the United States, we remember and honor their vigilance, compassion, and valor.”
Whitehouse cosponsored a resolution designating National Police Week 2018 as May 13-19.
###
