During remarks on the Senate floor Thursday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) spoke about National Police Week.
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00:00Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the quorum call will be suspended.
00:04Objection.
00:05Mr. President, it's Police Week this week.
00:08The yearly observance recognizing the service and sacrifice of our nation's law enforcement officers.
00:14Mr. President, they are a special breed.
00:16The men and women who safeguard our communities.
00:19I'm a dad and a grandfather.
00:21And I think every parent knows that feeling when they place that baby in your arms for the first time.
00:27That knowledge that you would do anything to protect this person.
00:31But the incredible thing about police officers, Mr. President, is that they have that protective instinct for all of us.
00:38They don't just volunteer to step between their loved ones in danger.
00:41They volunteer to step between any of us in danger.
00:45Not because they know us, but simply because we are human beings and need to be protected.
00:52It's a natural human instinct to run from danger.
00:55But police officers go out to meet it.
00:59And they go out to meet it not knowing what the day will bring.
01:03Like the police officer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who was shot earlier this year while pursuing a suspect with multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest.
01:12Or like Moody County Chief Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorock of South Dakota, who was killed in line of duty in February of last year,
01:20and who was honored in this year's Police Week resolution.
01:25Chief Deputy Prorock was killed after reportedly being deliberately struck by a car driven by a fleeing suspect being pursued by Madison Police.
01:34He was not a member of the Madison Police, but he heard the call for assistance on the radio, and he went out to help.
01:43He knew that he was placing himself in danger, knew that he could be risking his life, but he went anyway.
01:49And as I said last year, Mr. President, that is the heroism of Chief Deputy Prorock and all of the men and women across our country who serve in our nation's police forces
02:04and who, when they hear a call for help, go out and answer it.
02:08This is Police Week, and every day I am grateful for the men and women of our nation's law enforcement community,
02:15and particularly grateful for all of our South Dakota officers who work tirelessly to safeguard our communities.
02:23Safeguard our communities and build them up, because police officers do more than fight crime and stand between us and danger.
02:31They are an active and supportive presence in our communities, whether leading safety classes, building relationships with local youth,
02:41or helping a stranded driver or a family in need.
02:45I am also profoundly grateful for the service of the United States Capitol Police, who are on the front lines here in Washington, D.C. every day.
02:54There is no getting away from the fact that there are dangers associated with working in the Capitol,
02:58and I am tremendously grateful for the men and women who keep us safe,
03:03whether they are protecting dignitaries, standing guard on the Capitol steps, or responding to threats.
03:10Finally, Mr. President, as we recognize the service and sacrifice of our nation's police officers,
03:15we should recognize the service and sacrifice of their families as well.
03:20It's not always easy to have a police officer for a husband or a wife, a mom or a dad.
03:29The hours can be long and irregular.
03:32The job is a heavy one.
03:35And there is always the knowledge at the back of your mind that your mom and dad, or dad, your husband or wife,
03:42is out there confronting danger,
03:44and that there's always a chance he or she might not make it home.
03:47And so we thank our nation's police officers.
03:52We also want to make sure to thank their families who also serve.
03:59And to all of our nation's law enforcement officers, thank you.
04:04Thank you for serving our communities, for putting your lives on the line every day.
04:09Thank you for all the sacrifices you make to keep us safe.
04:16And God bless you all.
04:19Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
04:24Clerk, call the roll.
04:25Ms. Also-Brooks.
04:26Thank you for listening.