WHEREAS, The citizens of Rhode Island are fortunate, indeed, to have their lives, freedoms and property protected by the dedicated men and women who fill the ranks of the state's police department and agencies. These law enforcement professionals generally perform their daily duties outside of the limelight, and rarely receive the public accolades that are their due; and

WHEREAS, The dangers of the law enforcement profession were all too vividly brought home two years ago, when Sergeant Steven M. Shaw of the Providence Police Department made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of his duties. His death on February 3, 1994 shocked Rhode Island and the nation, and stands as a reminder of the debt beyond reckoning that society owes these brave men and women; and

WHEREAS, As Police Week is celebrated throughout the nation, and law enforcement officers gather together in the spirit of camaraderie to rededicate themselves to preserving public safety and protecting the rights and property of the people of this great nation, it is only right and just for all of the citizens of the Ocean State to publicly extend the hand of friendship and gratitude and recognize these valiant men and women who stand as vigilant guardians of our homes, communities and state; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby honors the dedicated men and women that protect and serve the people of Rhode Island, each and every day of the year, by proclaiming May 11-17, 1997 to be NATIONAL POLICE WEEK. Laws not enforced cease to be laws, and rights not defended may wither away. As the state which historically has fought hardest to protect the rights and liberties of individuals, Rhode Island deserves the very finest law enforcement professionals to defend the fruits of these struggles. It is the Ocean State's good fortune to enjoy precisely that calibre of superb police protection.