house resolution no.258

Reps. LaFave, Allor, Bollin, Brixie, Calley, Cherry, Haadsma, Hoadley, Hood, Liberati, Sabo, Schroeder, Shannon, Slagh, Sneller, Tate, Warren, Witwer and Yaroch offered the following resolution:

A resolution to declare May 10-16, 2020, as Police Week in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others; and

Whereas, There are more than 800,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including the approximately 19,000 full-time uniformed police officers in Michigan, serving 583 agencies; and

Whereas, Members of law enforcement deserve the appreciation and respect of the people of Michigan 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 fear as their loved one works to protect us; and

Whereas, In 2019 alone, 133 law enforcement officers were killed and many, 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 commit themselves to law enforcement, these brave individuals answered the call for service and willingly put their lives in jeopardy. We commend them for recognizing service as a noble career, protecting the public safety; and all of those who are serving without incident to date and

Whereas, Michigan and all 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, or struggling through civil disorder or a natural disaster. Our communities rely on these courageous individuals when it is difficult to stand on our own and we are indebted to the unwavering public service of our local and state police. We are indeed fortunate and grateful for the contributions of law enforcement officers to the people of this state; and

Whereas, Law enforcement officers signed up for a hazardous and naturally dangerous job. With this current COVID-19 pandemic, law enforcement officers are dealing with especially challenging circumstances and are dealing with the potential of exposing their families every day when they come home. To protect their families and loved ones, there are law enforcement officers across Michigan living separate from their families in hotels, tents, garages, and other temporary living arrangements to help protect their families. These actions demonstrate the commitment that law enforcement personnel have to our communities and the state of Michigan; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 10-16, 2020, as Police Week in the state of Michigan. We publicly salute the service of law enforcement officers in our community as well as those of our state and nation and honor police who place their lives on the line for the safety and security of their communities.