Pappas Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Honor Fallen Law Enforcement, Strengthen Officer Safety

Yesterday, on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Congressman Troy E. Nehls (TX-22) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) in introducing the National Law Enforcement Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act.

This bipartisan legislation would establish a formal program within the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) to support and enhance the community outreach, public education and officer safety and wellness programs of the National Law Enforcement Museum through grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). These programs would memorialize and honor law enforcement, compile data on law enforcement fatalities and injuries, increase public understanding of and support for law enforcement, enhance and improve law enforcement officer safety and wellness, and bring law enforcement closer to the communities they serve.

“Every day our law enforcement answers the call to serve and keep our communities safe, putting their lives on the line to do so. We must always support their critical work and honor those that give the ultimate sacrifice,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “This bipartisan legislation would support efforts to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, commemorate their legacies of service and sacrifice, and strengthen officer safety and wellbeing. I remain committed to supporting our law enforcement and the important work they do for Granite Staters.”

"I'm proud to reintroduce bipartisan legislation alongside my colleague, Congressman Panetta, to memorialize and honor our nation's law enforcement officers,” said Congressman Nehls. "Day in and day out, our nation's law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect our communities, often without recognition. The National Law Enforcement Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act will pay tribute to and honor our brave law enforcement officers and bring public awareness to their service and sacrifices. As a former law enforcement officer, I will always back the blue."

“Law enforcement officers across the nation work hard to protect our communities and serve the public," said Congressman Panetta. “The bipartisan National Law Enforcement Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act honors the bravery and sacrifice of those who have fallen in the line of duty by preserving their legacy, commemorating their service, and fostering stronger bonds between law enforcement and the public.  This legislation is bipartisanship recognition for the courage and service of law enforcement."

"On behalf of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), I want to express our sincere thanks to Congressman Nehls for again taking the lead in authoring the National Law Enforcement Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act,” said Bill Alexander, the CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “The fact that Congress saw fit to create the National Law Enforcement Memorial and the National Law Enforcement Museum sets a powerful precedent that Congress recognizes the vital importance of our mission.  This legislation is a logical next step for Congress to take to ensure that this vital mission continues and that, in these challenging times for law enforcement, the important educational and outreach programs run by NLEOMF and the Museum are expanded and enhanced. This is an important pro-law enforcement bill  - one that we strongly endorse and support."

Created by an Act of Congress in 1984, NLEOMF operates the National Law Enforcement Museum and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. NLEOMF’s mission is to honor fallen law enforcement officers, tell the story of our nation’s law enforcement officers, and make it safer for law enforcement. 

This bill is supported by NLEMOF’s board member organizations, including the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary, International Brotherhood of Police Officers, International Union of Police Associations/AFL-CIO, Motorola Solutions, Verizon, National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs’ Associations, COPS, DuPont, National Black Police Association, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Policing Institute, National Troopers Coalition, Police Executive Research Forum, Police Unity Tour, and the United Federation of Police Officers.