May 20, 2022

Manchin, Capito Honor Law Enforcement with National Police Week Resolution

Bipartisan resolution honors 576 officers lost in the line of duty in 2021

Charleston, WV – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V) this week joined 84 of their colleagues in adopting a bipartisan resolution marking National Police Week and reiterating support for the men and women in law enforcement.

“West Virginia’s law enforcement officers go above and beyond the call of duty to protect their communities, and we are all incredibly grateful for their service. I am proud to cosponsor this resolution to recognize law enforcement officers across the Mountain State for their service and integrity and to honor those officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” Senator Manchin said. “Our police officers have shown bravery and resilience with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we will continue to provide the support they need to keep West Virginians safe.”

“In West Virginia, we don’t defund the police, we have their backs,” Senator Capito said. “Our men and women in uniform risk their lives every day to protect our communities, keep families safe, and serve the common good. Today, police officers are at even greater risk, and subject to despicable acts of violence. They need our support now more than ever, and I’m proud to honor them by designating this week as National Police Week in recognition of police officers across the Mountain State.”

The resolution designates the week of May 15 through May 21, 2022, as “National Police Week,” and expresses unwavering support for law enforcement officers across the United States in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities.

The resolution honors the 576 law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2021, including nearly 400 who died from COVID-19, as well as the 92 lost to date in 2022. Last year marked the most intentional killings of police since the September 11, 2001 attacks. In the face of an ongoing pandemic and rise in violent crime, law enforcement personnel continue to answer the call, serving their communities, often at great risk to themselves.

The bipartisan resolution was led by Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).

The full text of the resolution is available here.