Burns resolution declaring ‘National Police Week’ unanimously passes House
Rep. Frank Burns May 10, 2017 | 11:05 AM
EBENSBURG, May 10 – Continuing his strong commitment to law enforcement, state Rep. Frank Burns today announced that May 14 through 20 will be “National Police Week” in Pennsylvania, per his resolution unanimously approved by the House.
Burns’ H.R. 16 also designates May 15 as “Police Officers Memorial Day” in the commonwealth.
“It is important that all citizens know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards and sacrifices that law enforcement personnel face every day,” said Burns, D-Cambria. “On a daily basis, they serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence and disorder, and by protecting the innocent from deception and the weak from oppression.”
Burns said that in 1962 President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and that week in which that date fell as “Police Week.” Since then, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world participate each year in numerous events to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Beginning in 1982, Burns said, a memorial service began in Senate Park, Washington, D.C., during what is now called “National Police Week.”
Burns is the founder of the legislative House Blue Lives Matter Caucus. He is also the prime sponsor of H.B. 158, the Blue Lives Matter bill that would make assaulting a law enforcement officer a hate crime in Pennsylvania.