WHEREAS, across the United States, the week of May 12 through May 18, 2024, is being recognized as “National Police Week”; and

WHEREAS, on October 1, 1962, the United States Congress approved a joint resolution authorizing the President of the United States to designate May 15 of each year as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” in honor of law enforcement officers who have been killed, disabled, or otherwise injured in the line of duty and the calendar week during which May 15 occurs as “National Police Week”; and

WHEREAS, by proclamation dated May 4, 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15, 1963, and each succeeding May 15 as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week of May 12 through May 18, 1963, and each succeeding calendar week during which May 15 occurs as “National Police Week”; and

WHEREAS, federal, state, local, and tribal police officers, sheriffs, and other law enforcement officers in the State of Oklahoma and across the United States serve with valor, dignity, and integrity; and

WHEREAS, law enforcement officers are charged with pursuing justice for all individuals and performing the duties of a law enforcement officer with fidelity to the constitutional rights of the public that the law enforcement officers serve; and

WHEREAS, the Oklahoma House of Representatives expresses strong support for law enforcement officers in Oklahoma and across the United States in the efforts that those officers undertake to build safer and more secure communities; and

WHEREAS, the Oklahoma House of Representatives recognizes the law enforcement community for the continual selfless acts of sacrifice and bravery carried out by the members of that community; and

WHEREAS, law enforcement officers swear an oath to uphold the public trust with their lives, if need be, even though, through the performance of the duties of a law enforcement officer, the officers may become targets for senseless acts of violence; and

WHEREAS, within the last year, one hundred and thirty-six law enforcement officers from across the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, one Oklahoma law enforcement officer died in the line of duty within the last year, Captain John Robert Randolph III, of the Ringling Police Department; and

WHEREAS, the Oklahoma House of Representatives honors the memory of the hundreds of law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty in this state and throughout the United States.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 59TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT May 12 through May 18, 2024, is hereby recognized by the Oklahoma House of Representatives as “National Police Week” and recognizes May 15, 2024, as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” in Oklahoma.

THAT the Oklahoma House of Representatives expresses condolences to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.