Washington, DC - Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, expressed the organization’s gratitude to the United States Senate, which unanimously passed S. Res. 577 during National Police Week. The resolution, introduced by Senators Lindsey O. Graham (R-SC) and Dianne G. Feinstein (D-CA), was cosponsored by 87 members of the United States Senate and designates the week of 10 May through 16 May, 2020, as “National Police Week.”

“For the second year in a row, the Senate has sent a strong, clear message of support to the men and women of law enforcement,” said Yoes. “During a time when our officers are struggling to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe during this pandemic, the FOP is deeply grateful to the 87 members of the Senate for standing in solidarity with our officers. Passing the resolution unanimously during National Police Week really means a lot to our officers and we are thankful.”

The U.S. House of Representatives, for the second year in a row, has failed to pass a similar resolution or even consider it in committee. Last year, Representatives Michael P. Guest (R-MS) and Peter T. King (R-NY) introduced H. Res. 383, which would have expressed support for recognizing National Police Week in 2019. It was never considered.

“We are saddened by the lack of support from the House, especially during National Police Week,” said Yoes. “I understand that the House is busy working to respond to the coronavirus, but there was no pandemic last year during National Police Week. The fact that this is the second year in a row that the House has failed to show their support for America’s law enforcement heroes—it sends a very clear message.”

For the first time in over thirty-nine years, the National Fraternal Order of Police, families and colleagues of the nation's fallen peace officers cannot come together in Washington D.C. to honor the memories of our heroes due to the COVID19 pandemic. Rather, they will assemble virtually on 15 May at 11:00 A.M. to honor the 185 law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty with a special video production which will be streamed on our social media platforms (Facebook.com/GLFOP and Youtube.com/user/GLFOP).

"While we cannot come together and draw strength from one another on the lawn of the Capitol this year, the National Fraternal Order of Police remains committed to paying tribute to the nation's fallen heroes," said Patrick Yoes. “To be clear, nothing—not even COVID-19—will deter us from honoring our fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities.”

In October 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th as National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day. Since the signing of this proclamation, this date has been the official day of recognition for law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the performance of their duty. This is the 39th year that the Fraternal Order of Police and its Auxiliary have held the National Peace Officers Memorial Service.

The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law enforcement labor organization in the United States with more than 351,000 members.