HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2021-4628

HR 4628

ByRepresentatives Klippert, Graham, Dent, Abbarno, Orcutt, Barkis, Schmick, Walen, Dufault, Robertson, Chambers, Mosbrucker, Kraft, Eslick, Goehner, Sutherland, Hoff, Jacobsen, Klicker, MacEwen, Chapman, and Chandler

WHEREAS, We give thanks and express unwavering support for our law enforcement officers serving across Washington state. For generations, these brave men and women, unsung heroes, have and do risk their lives so we can all live in peace and security; and

WHEREAS, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, dedicated law enforcement officers put on the badge and go to work as selfless public servants, answering the call to protect, working tirelessly as they serve to defend and maintain civil order in our communities, allowing our families to sleep peacefully each night; and

WHEREAS, Alongside these police officers are highly trained K9s that serve to enhance and improve public safety, suspect safety, officer safety, and community safety. We recognize too, our K9s and their devoted acts of public service and sacrifice. We salute them and their handlers for their steadfast determination safeguarding our democracy; and

WHEREAS, In times of real danger and despair, the first people we turn to and depend on are our law enforcement officers. In the most uncertain of situations, our law enforcement officers run straight towards all threats with bravery, often operating under extreme pressure with remarkable professionalism as they endure long shifts and complex circumstances. They see and deal with all facets of humanity and society, demonstrating uncommon self-control and shielding us from having to deal with such matters; and

WHEREAS, We remember former President Barack Obama who wrote a letter to the law enforcement community in 2016 to address division and coming together, "Every day, you confront danger so it does not find our families . . . We recognize it, we respect it, we appreciate it, and we depend on you. . . . Time and again, you make the split-second decisions that could mean life or death for you and many others in harm's way;" and

WHEREAS, Law enforcement officers are our neighbors and live within all beloved communities. In uniform or not, they serve in many ways, showing generous acts of goodwill as part of their service to residents to build trust and relationships within neighborhoods, like the police officer who provided socks to a homeless man or the police officer who sat and spent time with a developmentally disabled teen on the side of the street;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives respect and show our deep and humble gratitude to law enforcement officers throughout Washington state. We sincerely thank you for wearing the badge and the uniform every day to preserve and protect our communities.