U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) on May 10 introduced a resolution expressing support for recognizing the Police Unity Tour, a four-day, 300-mile bicycle ride from locations across the country to Washington, D.C., to raise public awareness about law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
“I am proud to introduce this resolution,” Rep. Garbarino said, “and I thank my colleagues for joining me in recognizing and supporting the Police Unity Tour during this National Police Week.”
Rep. Garbarino sponsored House Resolution (H.Res.) 1099 with 10 of his Republican colleagues who signed on as original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. John Katko (R-NY), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Don Bacon (R-NE).
“Our brave men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line every single day with a simple mission: serve and protect,” said Rep. Garbarino. “The Police Unity Tour has a powerful mission to preserve the memory and legacy of law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“We will never be able to repay the sacrifice of the fallen and their families, but we can honor them and that is what every participant of the Police Unity Tour is doing this week,” he said.
Since 1997, each of the nine chapters of the Police Unity Tour has hosted a ride with the purpose of not only raising awareness about officers who have died in the line of duty, but to also raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
H.Res. 1099 is endorsed by several groups, including the Suffolk County (N.Y.) Detectives Association, the Suffolk County Police Superior Officers Association, the Detectives’ Endowment Association, the Nassau County (N.Y.) Detectives Association, and the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association.
“The last several years have taken an enormous toll on our law enforcement officers,” said Rep. Katko. “I am proud to stand with Rep. Garbarino in honoring the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow Americans.”
Rep. Miller-Meeks said she is proud to “strongly support” Congress taking serious and bipartisan action to keep law enforcement officers safe and well-funded. “Police officers are true public servants who deserve our respect, appreciation and admiration,” she said. “I am proud to back the blue this week and every week.”
Rep. Bacon pointed out that to date, 102 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty this year. “We must never forget their sacrifice and commitment to duty,” he said.