Congresswoman: “I’m Proud to Represent Many Brave Men and Women Who Have Answered the Call to Serve Their Fellow Americans, Their Neighbors, and Our Communities — and I’m Grateful for Their Service and Sacrifice”

**DOWNLOADABLE VIDEO: On U.S. House Floor, Spanberger Honors Fallen Virginia Law Enforcement Officers & Those Who Continue to Serve**

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger — a former federal law enforcement officer —recognized National Police Week by honoring the Virginia law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe — and those who never returned home.

“I stand here today — during National Police Week — to recognize every officer who works to keep Virginia’s communities safe,” said Spanberger. “I’m proud to represent many brave men and women who have answered the call to serve their fellow Americans, their neighbors, and our communities — and I’m grateful for their service and their sacrifice.”

Spanberger continued, “This week, we remember with reverence their colleagues and friends who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid, but their legacies live on in the continued dedication of the officers who served alongside them and the families who mourn and miss them.”

Click here to watch her remarks, and a full transcript is below.

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Mister Speaker, I rise today to recognize the courage and the sacrifice of the brave law enforcement officers who work each day to keep our communities safe — and to honor those who have given their lives.

This week, as we commemorate Police Week — a week of appreciation and of solemnity that was first honored and created back in 1962 when President Kennedy designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week.

We know that this week draws between 25,000 and 40,000 attendees from across the nation, including from Virginia — people who come to honor the sacrifice and the service of their fellow officers and their family members.

I grew up in a law enforcement household. My father was a career law enforcement officer — and I grew up with a deep appreciation for those who commit themselves to service.

I stand here today — during National Police Week — to recognize every officer who works to keep Virginia’s communities safe.

I’m proud to represent many brave men and women who have answered the call to serve their fellow Americans, their neighbors, and our communities — and I’m grateful for their service and their sacrifice.

This week, we remember with reverence their colleagues and friends who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid, but their legacies live on in the continued dedication of the officers who served alongside them and the families who mourn and miss them.

In Congress, I will continue to advocate for legislation to support our local police departments and sheriff’s departments in carrying out the vital, vital mission that they hold in our communities.

Together, we can honor their dedication to duty by connecting them with the resources, the training, the support, and everything necessary for them to perform their jobs effectively and, importantly, to get home safely.

To all those who wear a badge, I offer my deepest gratitude. This week, and every week, we extend our appreciation to the men and women who continue to serve — and we remember those who did not come home.

May their sacrifice never be forgotten and may their legacies continue to inspire the next generation to serve and protect.

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