House Passes Bill that Includes Renaming of VALOR Program for Slain Philadelphia Officer Robert Wilson III

Press Release

Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives voted for legislation that will rename a federal program to prevent violence against law enforcement officers after slain Philadelphia police officer Robert Wilson III. Wilson was killed in the line of duty on March 5, 2015. The renaming language was included as part of the FY 16 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Act.

Congressman Fattah, lead Democrat on the CJS Appropriations Subcommittee, offered the amendment during the bill's markup last month; it passed unanimously. The provision officially renames the Preventing Violence Against Law Enforcement Officer Resilience and Survivability--or VALOR initiative--in honor of officer Wilson.

"It is a great privilege to lead the U.S. Congress in renaming this program after slain Philadelphia police officer Robert Wilson III. Officer Wilson dedicated his career to protecting Philadelphians; he was a true hero who sacrificed his own life in the line of duty while performing in the job he loved," Congressman Fattah said. "Many years ago, I had the honor of meeting Officer Wilson. He was a man of true character, courage, and integrity, and a role model to colleagues throughout Philadelphia's police force. Now, his legacy will live on through this national program that seeks to lessen the increasing violence against law enforcement officers. Officer Wilson died tragically in the line of duty, but his memory will inspire others as the government works with law enforcement agencies around the country to keep officers as safe as possible while on the job."

The program, part of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, is designed to prevent violence against law enforcement officers and ensure officer resilience and survivability following violent encounters while on duty. It is a programmatic response to the increase in assaults that have taken the lives of many law enforcement officers. The national initiative, unveiled in 2010 by former Attorney General Eric Holder, offers onsite regional trainings, resources, technical assistance, and other support for officers around the country.

Officer Wilson has been posthumously heralded as a hero in Philadelphia; the city's Medal of Valor has been named in his honor. At his funeral, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Ramsey said he had never witnessed an act of bravery like the one committed by Officer Wilson that day.

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