This week, we celebrate the selfless dedication and sacrifice that police officers have for the communities they serve and those they are called upon to protect. National Police Week 2019 takes place from May 12 to May 18 and is a weeklong opportunity to reflect on the bravery and commitment police officers exhibit both as community partners and the first line of defense against an anarchic society.

The national celebration of the incredible work our law enforcement does each day draws as many as 40,000 attendees in Washington, D.C., with receptions and events honoring police from around the nation. Festivities range from honoring those who have lost their lives in the line of duty to celebrating the priceless contributions of those law enforcement officers serving now.

Here at home, the Assembly Minority Conference is proud to support New York’s many law enforcement officers ranging from our State Police to county sheriffs and local police officers. Their hard work, compassion and training are second to none. This week, especially, I would like to personally thank them for keeping our families safe. We could not do our job, if they did not do theirs.

WE MUST CONTINUE TO SUPPORT POLICE

The work of police officers is too often glossed-over, or sometimes, ignored altogether. It’s troubling that headlines about new legislation that gives free computers to inmates, pay increases for working prisoners, voting rights to felons and praise for the parole of a cop-killer dominate the news cycle compared to the work of everyday heroes like police officers.

Police must be secure knowing lawmakers and executives across New York are as committed to officer’s safety as they are to ours. It is critical they have adequate resources, laws on the books that ensure their safety and the needed mental and emotional support required to do their jobs.

As Police Week comes to a close, I am calling on all New Yorkers to take a moment and consider those who put their lives on the line so you can safely go grocery shopping, take your children to school and do your own jobs. These men and women are the heartbeat of our communities. They are invaluable and indispensable. Join me this week in thanking them for their service; it’s the least we can do.

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or email me at kolbb@nyassembly.gov.