Law Enforcement Priorities Move on the Hill, Agencies Leaders Recognize Fallen
As with National Police Week tradition, Congress typically advances legislation to improve the benefits and well-being of law enforcement as federal agencies and stakeholders issue statements of support. The movement pays tribute to the sacrifices of fallen federal law enforcement personnel and recognizes the heroism of those who continue to risk their lives.
Action on Capitol Hill
This week, the House Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced the Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2022 (H.R. 6943), which authorizes disability and death benefits for officers with post-traumatic stress disorder or acute stress disorders. For law enforcement stakeholders, mental health remains a critical issue. The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) commended the Committee for advancing the legislation as a “strong statement recognizing the importance of mental health care for our nation’s federal law enforcement.”
“With the historic increase in law enforcement suicides, it is imperative that we recognize the impact of this high stress working environment on our officers’ mental health and well-being. Unfortunately, the result has been a dramatic increase in officer suicides due to an unseen mental health problem or, in many cases, a hidden traumatic psychological injury,” noted FLEOA National President Larry Cosme in a letter endorsing the bill in January. “In the military, the Department of Veterans Affairs has created robust suicide prevention and treatment programs and has acknowledged the impacts of the aforementioned disorders on military personnel. Regrettably, law enforcement in the United States is just beginning to understand, comprehend, and address officer mental health and wellness issues.”
The House Committee on Oversight and Reform also unanimously passed the Federal First Responder Fair RETIRE Act (H.R. 521). By codifying technical corrections to 6c, this bill will enable disabled federal first responders to continue receiving retirement benefits as though they were not disabled.
“Year after year they risk their health and in return, they are promised an enhanced ‘6c’ retirement program paid into at a higher employee contribution rate than other employees,” stated Randy Erwin, National President of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE). “Tragically, after sustaining a debilitating injury, many lose their enhanced retirement. They are forced to work years longer while injured plus they lose the money they paid into the retirement plan. It’s a travesty in every sense.”
As for the Senate, Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) hosted a news conference to discuss bipartisan efforts to advance the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2022 (S.4007). This bipartisan legislation is an opportunity to provide mental health services to America’s public safety officers and first responders amid crises.
In Memoriam
The Archdiocese of Washington held its 28th annual Blue Mass on Tuesday at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. More than a hundred law enforcement officers and public safety officials attended the service. As part of the ceremony, federal, state, and local honor guard pipe and drum units marched in remembrance of the fallen and tribute to first responders who continue to serve.
“We’ve had line of duty deaths throughout the history of our agency, but never as many as during the last two years. All of the events throughout Police Week honor the service and memories of the fallen, but this particular event is spiritual in nature. It’s significant in that it comforts the soul,” said Kendall Kabban, National Chaplain for U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Field Operations.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray also delivered an address on Tuesday to mark National Police Week to agency partners and stakeholders. Throughout his remarks, Director Wray noted both the initial loss and the enduring memory of the fallen.
“Like all police officers, each of the hundreds we lost last year got up one day, picked up their badge, not knowing whether they'd make it home that night. They did their jobs despite knowing the risks and in spite of hardships, because they were devoted to protecting their fellow Americans,” said Director Wray.
On Wednesday, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) addressed the House of Representatives to reflect on the lives of 13 officers lost in the state of Virginia between 2021 and 2022.
“This week, all across the Commonwealth, Virginians will reflect on the sacrifice of the men and women who serve our neighbors and keep our communities safe,” Rep. Spanberger stated. “They will honor those who continue to wear the uniform, and they will remember those who never returned home from their patrol.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) hosted a valor memorial this week too. The event on Thursday honored CBP personnel and family with a wreath-laying ceremony. CBP Deputy Commissioner Troy Miller joined Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, and Deputy Secretary John Tien.
“For all who wear the nation's colors, I know what it means—the action you take every day. You are duty-bound into mission; you serve with honor, and you serve with integrity,” stated Deputy Secretary Tien. “Today, we remember our fallen. And the fact that they did all those things until the very last breath.”
“The road of service is paved by those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Not only those we have lost, but their families, loved ones, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Each time an agent or officer of CBP dons their uniform, pins on their badge, holsters their firearm, and walks out the front door of their home, their loved ones walk out that front door, too,” concluded Secretary Mayorkas, “The risk that one bears is borne by others.”
The Department of the Interior also hosted their Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Ceremony to honor the various law enforcement agencies it houses. Speakers included Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Matthew Elliott; U.S. Park Police Acting Chief Christopher Stock; U.S. Forest Service Director of Law Enforcement and Investigations Tracy Perry; and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
“It is a privilege to host the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the law enforcement officers who gave their ultimate sacrifice to uphold the mission of our department, a great service to our country,” concluded Secretary Haaland. “Not only do they take a vow to protect and serve, they ensure that the interior can fulfill the agency's promise to protect our national resources, honor our movements to tribal nations and preserve treasured places for generations to come. It is an incredible responsibility and a legacy that lives beyond our lifetimes. “