Pappas Introduces Resolution Honoring Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03), Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05), and Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) to introduce H. Res. 1226 to honor and memorialize fallen law enforcement officers. The resolution was introduced during National Police Week and recognizes the 282 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2023 or those whose stories were lost until now.

“Police Week is an annual commemoration to thank our brave law enforcement officers for the work they do every day to keep our communities safe and to honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Congressman Pappas. “Those who put on the uniform to protect and serve their communities, as well as their family members, deserve our thanks and gratitude. We must work to ensure our police departments have the resources they need and that our officers have the support they have earned. This bipartisan resolution honors the lives and legacies of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty and resolves to support those who safeguard our communities.”

“Police officers are the heroes of our communities, protecting us from crime and defending innocent citizens from those who seek to do harm,” said Congressman Guest. “I am honored to lead this legislation that expresses that the Members of the House of Representatives support our law enforcement officers, appreciate all they do for our communities, and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”

“Every year, hundreds of thousands of men and women in the police force leave their homes every day to protect their communities, with no guarantee they will make it home,” said Congresswoman Letlow. “I’m honored to help lead this legislation with my colleagues as we stand together and pay tribute to the brave men and women in blue who have given their lives in service, and paid the ultimate sacrifice to our communities. I encourage all Louisianans to thank a law enforcement officer and continue to pray for their safety as they look out for ours.”

"As the daughter of a retired law enforcement officer, I know what it means to watch a loved one put on a badge and head to work — and be concerned as to whether or not they’ll make it home. As a former federal law enforcement officer myself, I also understand firsthand the responsibilities, stresses, and dangers associated with the job," said Congresswoman Spanberger. "This National Police Week, I am humbled to honor the fallen heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty. These officers and deputies embody service, integrity, and sacrifice — representing some of the best of Virginia and of the United States. May their sacrifice never be forgotten and their legacy continue to inspire us all.”

More than 80 bipartisan Members of the House of Representatives joined Congressman Pappas, Congressman Guest, Congresswoman Letlow, and Congresswoman Spanberger as original cosponsors of the legislation. 

Background:

President Kennedy signed Public Law 87-725 in 1962 that authorized the proclamation of Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 each year to honor law enforcement officers killed or injured in the line of duty. The legislation also authorized the recognition of the week in which it falls as National Police Week. Peace Officers Memorial Day 2024 honors 282 law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty and those whose stories were recovered in the past year. H. Res. 1226 expresses unwavering support for law enforcement and recognizes the sacrifices of families who have lost loved ones. A copy of the resolution is available here. 

This measure is supported by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Major Cities Chiefs Association.