Congresswoman Tenney Recognizes National Police Week, Lays Wreath Honoring the Late Deputy Kurt B. Wyman

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) today recognized National Police Week, taking place from May 11 through 17. National Police Week was established through a joint resolution from Congress in 1962 and takes place every May. The week recognizes all law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

On Tuesday, Tenney introduced a resolution with 10 of her colleagues in support of the Police Unity Tour. Since 1997, the Police Unity Tour has organized a four-day bicycle ride from locations across the country to Washington, D.C. to raise public awareness about law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten. Each of the nine chapters of the Police Unity Tour hosts a ride with the purpose of raising awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty and raising funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

On Thursday, Tenney joined House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and other colleagues for a wreath laying ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial as part of Leader McCarthy’s second annual “Back the Blue Bike Tour.” As part of this ceremony, Tenney laid a wreath in honor of Oneida County Deputy Sheriff Kurt B. Wyman. Deputy Wyman was killed in the line of duty on June 7, 2011. Tenney observed a moment of silence to honor the memory of Deputy Wyman and all other officers from New York’s 22nd Congressional District who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each day to keep our communities safe," said Tenney. “I am committed to standing in firm support of them in Congress. This means honoring those who have fallen in the line of duty and those who continue to serve. As we recognize National Police Week, I am grateful for my colleagues’ shared support for the women and men in blue, and I wholeheartedly thank all who serve!"

Last year, Tenney introduced the Local Law Enforcement Protection Act, which would safeguard qualified immunity for local and state police officers. Qualified immunity is a commonsense legal protection that shields police officers from harassing and frivolous lawsuits. This safeguard allows them to make the split-second decisions necessary to do their jobs.

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