WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) spoke on the Senate floor to honor fallen Maine police officers. Senator King is a cosponsor of the Senate resolution honoring this week as National Police Week.

“The constitution, in the preamble lays out the basic outlines for our government, and one of them is to ensure domestic tranquility,” said Senator King in his speech. “And that means, in many cases, law enforcement. So, I rise today to recognize law enforcement officials, but also particularly in my state of Maine…[who] have chosen to serve the public and put their lives on the line…we had an unbelievably tragic event in Maine barely three weeks ago. Eugene P. Cole, shot and killed in the line of duty, April 25^th, 2018…He was admired in his community. He was well-known in his community. He was respected – he embodied the values of law enforcement, and he was an inspiration to the officers who served with him.”

In addition to recognizing Corporal Cole, Senator King’s remarks honored the service of Christopher Gardner, a UMaine Police Officer who served for 27 years, and Nathan Desjardins, a member of the Fryeburg Police Department who passed away after sustaining injuries during a search and rescue mission last May. Both Christopher Gardner and Nathan Desjardins will have their names added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this week; Eugene Cole will be eligible to be added next year.

Fifty-six years ago today, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15^th as “Peace Officers Memorial Day”. Celebrations, recognitions, and memorials are held through the week of May 15^th to honor the men and women who make daily sacrifices to enforce our laws and protect our public safety.