COLUMN: Appreciation for Our Heroes in Blue

Last week, Americans witnessed a violent storming of the of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Capitol Police – the agency charged with protecting the hallowed halls of the People's House – were on the frontlines, and they were quickly overwhelmed. That did not stop them from standing strong against these rioters. They continued to protect and defend the Capitol and all of those inside it.

Tragically, U.S. Capitol Police Officers Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood both lost their lives in the aftermath of the violence they experienced firsthand. They will be remembered for their sacrifice, and I am forever in their debt for their service to our country.

Not every American will get the chance to meet a U.S. Capitol Police officer, but all of us are indebted to our local heroes who put their lives on the line to keep the peace and ensure law and order. On January 9, the United States celebrated National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in recognition of the sacrifices our officers make to keep us safe. This appreciation is well-deserved, and it should not be reserved for a single day. Law enforcement officers and their families deserve our thanks all year long.

Whether at violent protests like we witnessed across the country this past summer or on regularly scheduled patrol duty, law enforcement officers often put on their uniforms to respond to a number of different situations with no guarantee they will return home safely. They take an oath to protect and defend their communities, and they do so with pride.

Over the past several years, I have had many opportunities to meet with police officers, sheriffs, and first responders across Central Washington. Earlier this year, I formed a Law Enforcement Working Group where I spoke with representatives from departments in our district about how we can ensure safety throughout our neighborhoods, cut down on violent crime, and increase trust within the communities.

I recently rode along with Pasco Police officers to see firsthand how they interact with the their neighbors and local businesses, and I met with law enforcement officers in each of our counties to learn how I can help them in Congress to make their policing efforts more effective.

I am constantly in awe of the work these agencies are doing to engage with families in need, at-risk children and students, and individuals in danger. They do all of this with the goal of making our Central Washington communities a better, safer place to live and work, and for that, I am grateful.

Police officers in Washington state may never meet their counterparts in the nation's capital, but they are united in their mission to protect us and defend the liberties we hold dear.

Whether here at home in Central Washington or within the halls of the U.S. Capitol, law enforcement officers selflessly put themselves in harm's way to protect Americans, preserve the peace, and maintain law and order. They are truly heroes in blue, and we owe them our respect and honor.