Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) helped lead a national effort to honor police officers, sheriffs, and other law enforcement officers in Maine and throughout the country for serving our communities with valor, dignity, and integrity. They joined a bipartisan group of 86 Senators in introducing a resolution recognizing this week—May 15, 2022, through May 21, 2022—as National Police Week.  The resolution passed the Senate unanimously.

“National Police Week is a time to thank members of law enforcement and reflect upon the sacrifices they make every day to keep our communities safe,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “During this week of recognition, we honor these law enforcement officers as devoted public servants, admired members of their communities, and beloved family members.”

The resolution honors the 576 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 – including Maine Sheriff’s deputy Luke Gross – as well as the 92 lost to date in 2022.  In the face of an ongoing pandemic and rise in violent crime, law enforcement personnel continue to answer the call to serve their communities, often at great risk to themselves.