IV Post

Washington, DC - Congressman Bob Filner today announced his introduction of legislation in support of a postage stamp to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

"Too many police officers are killed or injured in the line of duty every day," Filner said.  "We must honor those who have sacrificed their lives in order to make our neighborhoods and communities safer."

The legislation would express the sense of Congress that a stamp, called the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Stamp, should be issued to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

On average, a law enforcement officer is killed in America every other day.  Since 1794, when recordkeeping started, more than 17,900 officers have lost their lives in service to their communities.  In 2007, 186 officers were killed in the line of duty, an increase of more than 28 percent from the year prior.

"Nearly nine hundred thousand Americans serve as law enforcement officers in communities small and large across the nation," Filner said.  "These officers serve with commitment and distinction every day, as they continue to place themselves in harm's way to protect their fellow citizens."