Pa. House honors police officers with Burns resolution
Rep. Frank Burns May 15, 2013
HARRISBURG, May 15 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has unanimously adopted a resolution introduced by Rep. Frank Burns commemorating this week as National Police Week in Pennsylvania.
"I think it is incredibly fitting that the House voted on my resolution today, which is also National Peace Officers Memorial Day," said Burns, D-Cambria/Somerset. "As the nation pays tribute today to local, state and federal peace officers by flying U.S. flags at half-staff, so too is the Pennsylvania House of Representatives."
According to Burns' resolution, 774 Pennsylvania police officers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty since the beginning of law enforcement in the Commonwealth.
"Our police officers serve and protect us with courage and dedication, and this week serves to remind us all of their efforts," he said.
Burns' resolution (H.R. 326) also recognized May 6, 2013, as Police Officers Memorial Day in Pennsylvania. On May 6, the Fraternal Order of Police honored the five officers killed in 2012 during a memorial service at the state Capitol.
The first National Police Officers Memorial Day was created in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy.