Christopher Westfall

National Police Week is a time to celebrate the brave men and women who keep our communities safe, but it also serves as a solemn reminder of the incredible sacrifices made every day when our police officers put on their uniforms. I mentioned these individuals in my address at the Capitol, but I wanted to give those who gave their lives in the line of duty their due recognition. First, I want to honor a brave officer from my home state of Ohio who was killed in a cowardly ambush attack in Lorain County. Phillip Wagner was an officer in the local police department, and Marine Corps veteran with a beautiful wife and three precious children. Last July, Officer Wagner and a fellow officer were in their patrol vehicle when a man opened fire on their car. Officer Wagner succumbed to his wounds in the hospital, surrounded by his loved ones. Last August, Officer Suzanne O was mortally wounded in Maui County, Hawaii while responding to reports of an armed and dangerous suspect. Suzanne O was a devoted public servant who was awarded the Certificate of Merit two years prior for her tireless efforts during the 2023 Hawaii wildfires. Officer O gave her life in defense of the people she swore to serve, and her legacy of strength and selflessness will be remembered by her family, loved ones and all Americans. Finally, I want to honor three officers from Pennsylvania’s Northern York County Regional Police Department who were killed in the line of duty last year. Detective Mark Baker, Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, and Detective Sergeant Cody Becker were working to serve an arrest warrant against an armed stalker lying in wait outside a woman's home. These talented, seasoned officers confronted evil face-to-face and were met with a brutal ambush by a coward who took these brave husbands and fathers from their families prematurely. These stories, unfortunately, are not unique. Too many other officers have given their lives protecting their communities. The officers I mentioned are just a few examples of the strength and sacrifice that every officer in our country represents. Under the Trump Administration last year, on-duty law enforcement officer deaths were the lowest they've been in 80 years. That’s a stat I’m extremely proud of. Last year, the murder rate in our country was the lowest it's been in 125 years. That's because of the dedication of our peace officers and the shift in our nation that supports and respects the men and women who keep us safe. Peace and safety in our country comes at a price. It is paid for in the blood of brave individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice defending their communities, and in the tears of fallen officers' families. That is a price Americans should never take for granted, and it is a debt we can never repay. To all of our peace officers, thank you for your service.