Congressmen Mike Ezell and John Rutherford introduced a concurrent resolution on May 12 in support of law enforcement professionals during National Police Week.
The resolution aims to recognize the work and sacrifices of over 840,000 law enforcement officers across the United States. It also seeks to address challenges facing officers by calling for more resources, better protections, and increased mental health support.
“In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in threats against law enforcement and a strain on departments across the country. We must ensure our officers are equipped, trained, and supported so they can continue protecting the American people,” Ezell said. “As a former sheriff, I understand the sacrifices that come with wearing the badge. Law enforcement officers across this country continue to step up and serve, even in increasingly challenging and dangerous environments. This resolution is about making sure they know we have their backs and are committed to supporting them.”
Rutherford said: “As a lifelong law enforcement officer and former sheriff, I know firsthand the dangers our officers face every day they put on their badges, say goodbye to their families, and stand between our communities they’ve vowed to protect and those they aim to hurt them. Sadly, anti-police rhetoric continues to grow nationwide, putting our officers in even more danger. This National Police Week, I stand strongly with our men and women in blue and thank them for their dedication to protecting and serving our communities. We must protect those who protect us.”
The resolution honors fallen officers—more than 24,000 names have been memorialized nationwide—and urges all levels of government to fully support law enforcement professionals through increased staffing levels, improved training opportunities, modern equipment upgrades as well as stronger penalties for crimes against police personnel.
Ezell is currently serving in Congress representing Mississippi’s 4th district after replacing Steven Palazzo in 2023; he was born in Pascagoula where he still resides today at age 64 according to Congress.gov. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1997.
