Authorizing Use of Capitol Grounds for National Peace Officers' Memorial Service
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
As a former law enforcement officer from the great State of Indiana, I am a very proud supporter of this resolution to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2013. The 111 officers who will be honored in May have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their local communities.
Compared to last year, the number of officers slain has decreased by 8 percent. This represents the fewest number of officers killed since 1959. In addition, 2013 had the lowest number of officer deaths related to firearms since 1887. Every life taken is one too many, so any reduction is significant to our officers, to their families, and to the communities they serve. Sadly, my hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana, is still grieving one of our own who was killed in the line of duty last year.
Officer Rod Bradway, a 41-year-old Indianapolis Metro police officer, was killed while responding to a domestic violence dispute on September 20, 2013. Officer Bradway was a 5-year veteran of the police department, and is survived by his wife and two teenage daughters. He had already received the Indianapolis Police Department's Medal of Bravery, and he had previously served as a Wayne Township firefighter and EMT.
Thousands of residents of Indianapolis turned out for Officer Bradway's memorial service in downtown Indianapolis. They believe, as I do, that he was a hero who died while serving others. My deepest condolences go to Officer Bradway's family and to the rest of the hardworking Metro police officers.
I strongly support this bill because I know that the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service will show the proper respect to Officer Bradway and to all other law enforcement officers who have given everything to protect our communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this tribute to our fallen law enforcement officers.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source