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Strengthening the Thin Blue Line |
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May 19, 2017 |
By U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador
Americans celebrated National Police Week with
events across the country honoring those who
risk their lives to keep us safe. Almost 23,000
officers have died in the line of duty since
1791, including 66 in Idaho, according to the
Officer Down Memorial Page.
On the 55th anniversary of National Police Week,
Idahoans did their part to show their gratitude
to the men and women who carry out justice,
protect us from harm and keep the peace.
Three officers received the Idaho Medal of Honor
for bravery in the line of duty. Elmore County
Chief Deputy Sheriff Mike Barclay and Sheriff’s
Sergeant Kyle Moore were honored for protecting
the public when an armed man attempted to
carjack passing motorists.
Coeur d’Alene Police Sergeant Greg Moore
received the Medal of Honor posthumously. Moore,
a 14-year-veteran of the department, was
investigating a series of car burglaries when he
stopped a suspect and was tragically shot to
death.
Sergeant Moore also was remembered at the Idaho
Peace Officers’ Memorial in Meridian as the last
Idaho officer to fall in the line of duty.
Events included a candlelight vigil and a
ceremony honoring officers who made the ultimate
sacrifice to protect fellow Idahoans.
The professionalism of five Boise Police
officers brought them to Washington, D.C., to
receive TOP COPS Awards from the National
Association of Police Organizations. Detectives
Tim Brady and Coy Bruner and Corporals Denny
Carter, Chris Davis and Brek Orton received
honorable mentions for their cool-headed
handling of a violent suspect. Their bravery is
detailed in an Idaho Statesman story.
In recognition of Police Week, the House passed
five bills to honor the sacrifice of officers
and give them the tools they need to do their
jobs.
* The Thin Blue Line Act adds the killing of any law enforcement officer,
firefighter or other first responder as an
aggravating factor that can result in imposition
of the death penalty in federal prosecutions.
* The Honoring Hometown Heroes Act amends the U.S. Flag Code to authorize
governors to proclaim that the flag be flown at
half-staff to honor local police, firefighters
and emergency responders.
* The American Law Enforcement Heroes Act prioritizes the hiring of
veterans by jurisdictions receiving federal
grants from the COPS hiring program.
* The Rapid DNA Act directs the FBI to issue standards and procedures for
DNA analysis that can process results in as
little as 90 minutes, helping quickly identify
offenders and exonerate the innocent.
* The Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act establishes
within the Department of Homeland Security a
National Computer Forensics Institute to train
local and state law enforcement, prosecutors and
judges regarding cyber crimes.
All too often we forget the daily sacrifice of
those who have our backs 24/7. Police Week is a
welcome opportunity for all Americans to express
their gratitude and support to those who protect
and serve. |
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