Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) joined Reps. Byron Donalds (FL-19), Val Demings (FL-10), Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01), and John Rutherford (FL-04) to introduce H. RES. 766, a bill that recognizes law enforcement officers who have tragically passed away from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Law enforcement officers in Utah and across the country put their lives on the line day and night to keep our communities safe. Answering the call to serve during the COVID-19 pandemic meant increased risks, time away from family and loved ones, and sacrifices far greater than we can imagine,” said Rep. Burgess Owens. “My prayers go out to the heroes we lost and all who have served during these challenging times.”

“Our law enforcement heroes dedicate their lives to protecting and serving the communities they love, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, this honorable service did not waver. In Florida alone, nearly 50 officers died due to contracting the virus, including heroes in Florida’s 19th Congressional District,” said Rep. Byron Donalds. “I am proud to honor their lives and reaffirm my support and great appreciation to those who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe. May we never forget the selfless sacrifice of our men and women and Blue and the more than 200 officers who passed away because of their service this year alone due to coronavirus.” 

“As a former Chief of Police and 27-year law enforcement officer, I had the solemn duty earlier this year of attending the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Ceremony and reading the names of our fallen officers from the past two years. As 701 new names were read, I knew that over half of those officers had died from COVID-19,” said Rep. Val Demings. “Law enforcement officers have a tough job. They put their lives and bodies on the line every time they put on the uniform. During this pandemic, we have lost far too many. 47 Florida law enforcement officers have died from COVID-19. My prayers are with these officers, their families, and their law enforcement agencies.”

“As a former law enforcement officer and homicide detective, I know the risks that those who have sworn to protect and serve so often must take in the line of duty. However, I cannot begin to understand the depth of sacrifice that brave officers on the front lines have offered our communities during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Tom O’Halleran. “Today, I’m joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in honoring our fallen officers and those who loved them, and thanking them from their service when their country needed them most.”  

“Law enforcement officers have a dangerous job,” said Rep. John Rutherford. “Over the last two years, policing has become even more hazardous due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has sadly taken the lives of many officers in the line of duty. I’m proud to join my colleagues in recognizing these community heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety.”

H.Res.766: Recognizing law enforcement officers who have tragically passed away from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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