The Oklahoma House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution 1058, recognizing Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week and honoring the law enforcement officers who protect communities across Oklahoma. 

Authored by Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, HR1058 acknowledges the courage, sacrifice and dedication of peace officers, while paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Harris said the resolution serves as an important reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day in order to keep Oklahoma families safe.

"Our law enforcement officers willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities, uphold the rule of law and serve others before themselves," Harris said. "This resolution is one way we can honor the brave men and women who wear the badge and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our state and nation. Oklahoma stands firmly behind the heroes in law enforcement who work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe."

Rep. John George, R-Newalla, who coauthored the resolution, served with the Oklahoma Police Department for more than 30 years.

"As someone who spent most of their life in law enforcement, this week is of course meaningful to me," George said. "I've seen firsthand the horrors that sometimes come with being the first on the scene of a violent crime. But I've also seen the moments when officers change someone's life for the better just by showing up to provide protection or to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation. To all the men and women who put on a uniform and serve the public at great risk, I say thank you. You deserve our recognition and our appreciation. I especially want to take time to remember our fallen officers, those who didn't make it back from their last call. Your ultimate sacrifice is not forgotten. We will keep your families lifted in our prayers, and we will do everything in our power to make sure your service will never be said to have been in vain."

The resolution names six law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty within the last year: Deputy Sheriff Thomas "Walker" Lemay of the LeFlore County Sheriff's Office, Trooper Vernon Brake of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Sergeant Thomas Duran of the El Reno Police Department, Deputy Gary Brooks of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Recruit Franklin Leinen of the Broken Arrow Police Department, and Reserve Officer Clint Lawrence of the Haileyville Police Department.

Following the adoption of the resolution, the House took a moment of silence in remembrance of the six fallen officers and other fallen law enforcement across the nation.

National Police Week was established to recognize the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed annually on May 15.