A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE MAY 12 THROUGH MAY 18, 2024, AS "POLICE WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA" AND TO HONOR THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY WHILE PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES AND SAFEGUARDING DEMOCRACY.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives find it appropriate and proper to recognize May 12 through May 18, 2024, as "Police Week in South Carolina," in conjunction with National Police Week, to honor the men and women who risk their lives to serve our communities and keep our citizens safe; and

Whereas, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 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, members of law enforcement have earned the appreciation and respect of the people of this great State for the merit, dignity, courage, and reliability they exhibit every day. We also must honor the sacrifices made by our police officers' families, who face constant concern as their loved ones work to protect us; and

Whereas, in 2023 alone, one hundred thirty-six federal, state, military, tribal, and local law enforcement officers died in the line of duty across the country, including three in South Carolina. The names of these three dedicated public servants who made the ultimate sacrifice are Deputy Sheriff Jacob Eric Salrin, Richland County Sheriff's Department; Police Officer Matthew Hare, Easley Police Department; and Lieutenant Michael Wood, Newberry Police Department. These officers' names are engraved on the walls of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on the State House grounds; and

Whereas, South Carolina's fallen officers and their service to their respective communities will never be forgotten. By choosing to commit themselves to law enforcement, these brave individuals answered the call to service and willingly put their lives in jeopardy. We commend them for recognizing service as a noble career and for protecting the public safety, as we also recognize all those officers who are currently serving; and

Whereas, the citizens of South Carolina long have turned to members of law enforcement for assistance and support in times of distress, be it a personal crisis, civil disorder, or natural disaster. We in South Carolina are indeed blessed and grateful for this service, and the South Carolina House, on behalf of the people of the Palmetto State, takes great pleasure in saluting our fine law enforcement officers, most particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize May 12 through May 18, 2024, as "Police Week in South Carolina" and honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding democracy.

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