National Police Week

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) this week voted for four pieces of legislation focused on supporting law enforcement officers during National Police Week, which runs from May 14 to 20.

Tenney kicked off National Police Week last week with a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Memorial, where she laid a wreath to honor Rochester police officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz. Officer Mazurkiewicz, who was raised in Livingston County, was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2022.

The legislation passed this week by the House of Representatives includes:

H.Res. 363, a resolution honoring law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. In particular, the resolution commemorates 224 officers that were killed in 2022, as well as 332 officers killed in previous years whose stories were recovered in 2022. This list of officers listed in the resolution included Anthony Patrick Mazurkiewicz, a Rochester police officer who was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022. This resolution passed the House by a vote of 413-2.

H.R. 3091, the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act. This bill allows current federal law enforcement officers in good standing to purchase their retired service weapon at market value from a federal agency. Currently, these firearms are salvaged when they are retired, costing taxpayers millions of dollars. This bill passed the House by a vote of 232-198.

H.R. 2494, the POLICE Act of 2023, a bill Tenney cosponsored, which amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly state that assaulting a law enforcement officer is a deportable offense. This commonsense bill ensures that federal immigration authorities enforce our laws against illegal aliens who assault our law enforcement officers. This bill passed the House by a vote of 255-175.  

H. Con. Res. 40, a resolution expressing support for local law enforcement officers and condemning efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies. Specifically, this resolution condemns the radical “Defund the Police” movement and expressed the House of Representative’s support for local law enforcement officers. Over the last three years, the radical left has engaged in an extremist campaign to defund and demoralize our law enforcement officers. Through this resolution, House Republicans sent a strong and unified message that we stand with our valiant officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. This resolution passed the House by a vote of 301-119-3.

"Law enforcement officers safeguard our communities, tirelessly dedicating their lives to serving and protecting,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “We must stand united in support of these brave men and women who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way every day. Their unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe is a testament to their valor and integrity. This National Police Week, I was honored to back legislation reaffirming our support for law enforcement officers in New York and around the country.”

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) commemorated National Police Week (May 9-15) by delivering a floor speech honoring Western New York officers. In addition, Jacobs participated in the Back the Blue Bike Tour this week, honored fallen Western New York officers at the National Police Memorial, and cosponsored legislation to protect officers.

“National Police Week gives each of us a chance to take pause and honor law enforcement for their bravery and selflessness while protecting our communities,” Jacobs said.

“This week was truly humbling, and I was proud to join my colleagues in thanking police around the country, but this recognition and gratitude should not be limited to one week a year. Every day our officers put their lives on the line to protect Western New York and our nation, and we should be mindful of that every day.”

Wednesday evening, Jacobs delivered a floor speech during special order hour to honor Western New York law enforcement officers for the tireless and dedicated work to protect our local communities.

On Thursday morning, Jacobs joined other members of Congress on a bike tour through D.C. to the National Police Memorial. There, members honored officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Jacobs laid a wreath at the memorial in honor of all fallen Western New York police officers.

In addition, Rep. Jacobs also cosponsored the Qualified Immunity Act (H.R. 288). This codifies qualified immunity for law enforcement at the federal level and protects officers from legal liability for actions committed on the job in good faith. 

“Our police have an incredibly dangerous job and continually show true dedication in serving our communities. I’m proud to stand with our brave law enforcement officers, and I will continue to stand with them in Congress,” Jacobs said.

Submitted photos.

Press release:

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation, which designated May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week.  

Typically, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, D.C., to participate in a number of planned events that honor those officers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice during this week.  

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these events have been postponed until October this year. There are virtual events being held all week along with a virtual candlelight vigil on Thursday, May 13. Thank a police officer; recognize the fallen.

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr., City of Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch, Village of Le Roy Police Chief Greg Kellogg, along with the Genesee County Legislature, recognize this week in honor of all those in the law enforcement profession for the countless hours each officer dedicates to the community in which they serve.  

The Genesee County Legislature will be issuing a proclamation at its Wednesday night meeting recognizing May 9 – 15, 2021, as National Police Week. The lights on the Old County Courthouse cupola will be changed to blue to acknowledge this week.  

Law enforcement officers are always prepared to respond and aid our residents, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

“We commend the men and women of the law enforcement community for their selfless dedication to the protection of the citizens and communities they serve.  May God bless them and their families. Please take a moment and join us in paying tribute to these tremendous individuals and remember those that have given the ultimate sacrifice,” said Sheriff Sheron, Chief Heubusch and Chief Kellogg in a jointly issued statement.

The pandemic has taught us at least a couple of important lessons. One is that borders matter. Another is that successful responses to threats to our safety and well-being require cooperation and coordination rather than unilateral action.

As we pause to give thanks to our law enforcers this week, we recognize the difficulty of the jobs they face. The last thing that they — and the public they protect — deserve is legislation which obstructs their mission, endangers their safety by causing DHS agencies to operate blind when it comes to DMV data, and criminalizes the cooperation which has time and again proven to be so critical to the preservation of public safety.

Indeed, amidst this crisis, such legislation might rightfully cause some to question just how important the safety and well-being of the law enforcement officers and the residents of this state truly are to those who enacted it.

Above, Village of Corfu Police Department Officer Scott Johnston.

Photos and press release from the Office of the Sheriff, Genesee County:

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week.

Typically, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, D.C., to participate in a number of planned events which honor those officers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice during this week.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic these events have been cancelled this year.

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr., City of Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch, Village of Le Roy Police Chief Christopher Hayward, along with the Genesee County Legislature, recognize this week in honor of all those in the law enforcement profession for the countless hours each officer dedicates to the community in which they serve.

The Genesee County Legislature will be issuing a proclamation at its Wednesday night meeting recognizing May 10 – 16, 2020, as National Police Week. The lights on the Old County Courthouse cupola will be changed to blue to acknowledge this week.

Law enforcement officers are always prepared to respond and aid our residents, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“We commend the women and men of the law enforcement community for their selfless dedication to the protection of the citizens and communities they serve. May God bless them and their families. Please take a moment and join us in paying tribute to these tremendous individuals and remember those that have given the ultimate sacrifice,” said Sheriff Sheron, Chief Heubusch and Chief Hayward in a joint statement.

Above, Village of Le Roy Police Department, from left: Officer Adriano Medici, Detective John Condidorio, Officer Zachary Klafehn, Officer Chris Ford, Sergeant Greg Kellogg, Officer Curt Miller, Officer Steve Cappotelli, Officer Connor Denz.

Above, Genesee County Sheriff's Office, from left: Sergeant Michael J. Lute, Deputy Rachel M. Diehl, Investigator Joseph D. Loftus, Deputy Robert C. Henning, Deputy Travis M. DeMuth.

Above, City of Batavia Police Department, from left: Officer Austin Hedges, Officer Felicia DeGroot, Officer Josh Girvin, Officer Nicole McGinnis, Officer Sam Freeman.