NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 83
(Senate - May 13, 2021) PDF
Mrs. HYDE-SMITH.
Mr. President, it is a solemn honor to recognize National Police
Week. Each year, we dedicate this week to express our admiration
and gratitude to all of the law enforcement officers working to
keep us safe. We also take this time to remember those who have
paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty over the past
year.
Law enforcement officers face many challenges in their mission to
protect and serve. I greatly admire members of the law enforcement
community who remain steadfast amidst the dangers of their noble
profession.
To all the law enforcement officers across the State of Mississippi,
I want to say to you that I am in Washington, DC, as your Senator to
support you and to work to ensure you have what you need to do your
job. You are truly our hometown heroes. You are the thin blue line
keeping our families and our communities safe.
The loss of any officer deeply affects entire communities beyond
their own department, and the ramifications for their family and
friends are heartbreaking.
This Police Week, we honor and mourn three heroes from Mississippi,
officers who died in the line of duty last year.
Monroe County Deputy Sheriff Dylan Scott Pickle, 24, died on July 26,
2020, while on duty after a vehicle struck him during a safety
checkpoint operation. Dylan, a decorated veteran awarded three medals
for his heroism in Syria, knew at an early age that he wanted to serve
his community and his country. An Amory native and an Itawamba
Community College graduate, Deputy Pickle's life of service was cut
short soon after earning a promotion within the sheriff's department.
He leaves behind his mother, a sister, a brother, and stepsister.
Simpson County Sheriff Deputy James Harold Blair lost his life on
July 12, 2020, after a subject he was transporting fatally wounded him.
This 77-year-old grandfather served in law enforcement honorably for
more than 50 years in Simpson County, Lincoln County, Pike County, and
Louisiana. He even worked as a crossing guard for his grandchildren's
school. Deputy Sheriff Blair leaves behind a large grieving family,
including his wife, 3 sons, 4 daughters, 17 grandchildren, and 48
great-grandchildren.
Correctional Officer Marshall Lee "Bem" London, Jr., 66, of the
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, passed away May 18, 2020. A 16-year
veteran of the sheriff's office, Bem is among the tragic number of law
enforcement officers who succumbed to COVID-19 last year while serving
the public. A dedicated family man, Deputy London is survived by his
children and grandchildren.
As a lasting tribute, the names of these three brave officers will be
added this year to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in
Washington, DC.
In addition to these recent losses, the National Law Enforcement
Officers Memorial will now also bear the names of three DeSoto County
sheriff's deputies who died in the line of duty 123 years ago. Deputy
Sheriffs Henry R. Campbell, William C. Cooper, and Carter I. Jones lost
their lives on May 18, 1898, while attempting to arrest a father and
son wanted for four murders. Even after more than a century, we still
remember loss and honor their service.
Then and now, our law enforcement offices face tremendous dangers as
they work to ensure the public safety and enforce the law. Today, all
officers must deal with unprecedented challenges, pressures, and
scrutiny. Supporting our law enforcement ought to be uncontroversial.
Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
As we mark National Police Week, let us embrace the memories of these
fallen officers as a cause to redouble our commitment to supporting law
enforcement. I assure you that I will continue to be an advocate for
law enforcement professionals and do my very best to honor the legacy
of all those lost in the line of duty.
To the families of Deputy Pickle, Deputy Blair, and Officer London, I
know you have faced enormous loss. I want you to know that you are
continually in our prayers.