View from the Capitol – Week of May 2, 2016

This week, an in-district work week, I traveled to a number of communities across our Fourth Congressional District to visit with law enforcement officers and to thank them for their selfless dedication to service. My Law Enforcement Appreciation Week began with a reception in Columbia for officers who serve the citizens of Boone County. I gave each of the officers a commemorative coin and gave representatives of each department a plaque and a copy of a speech I had given on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congresswoman Hartzler presents Columbia Police Chief Kenneth Burton with a House of Representatives coin and a certificate of appreciation
 

While in Columbia, I was given an opportunity to ride along with an officer, Lieutenant Geoff Jones, as he went about his patrol duties, giving me a better understanding of what law enforcement officers face. Lieutenant Jones is a shining example of what these officers are here to do.

A recent story summarizes his heart for the public he serves. When a local motorist and her two children became stranded on the road, Lt. Jones reached out to help. He not only tried to jump start the woman’s car, but when that didn’t work, he took her to Walmart and bought her a new battery and installed it! Unfortunately, that also failed, but Lieutenant Jones didn’t stop there. He then drove the woman to her work and spoke with her boss to ensure that she wasn’t penalized for being late.

Vicky and Lieutenant Jones finish up the ride-along
 

After listening to Lt. Jones, I am so grateful to have such wonderful law enforcement officers protecting our great communities. You can read more about Lieutenant Jones’ story on my website here, and you can leave a thank you note for your local law enforcement officers on my “Thank an Officer” website here.

I was also able to ride along with Officer Steve Bechtel from the Belton Police Department later in the week after I had met with other Fourth District officers in Johnson, Henry, and Cass Counties. We held ceremonies at each of our stops as we heard from officers who shared stories of how they go about doing their jobs each day, expecting no special rewards for doing what they do.

Officer Bechtel shows Hartzler some of the gear and equipment he uses as he patrols the streets of Belton
 

The simple truth is that these selfless men and women ask for no recognition and too often receive none. Their job is dangerous and places them directly in harm’s way. They exhibit tireless dedication that is often taken for granted, sacrificing so we don’t have to.

This month America observes National Police Week, which begins with National Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15th. While in Belton, I was honored to have Belton Mayor Jeff Davis present me with a copy of the proclamation he signed to mark May 15th as National Peace Officers’ Day in the city. I appreciate the gesture and am encouraged to see our local officials supporting our law enforcement officers.

Following Hartzler’s presentation, Belton Mayor Jeff Davis presented the Congresswoman with a proclamation marking May 15th as National Peace Officer’s Day in Belton
 

We owe it to our men and women who wear the badge to ensure they know we appreciate them, support them, and are working to make their lives better and their jobs a little less dangerous.

I invite you to visit my website at www.hartzler.house.gov and click on the “Thank an Officer” badge to say thank you to officers with whom you have had a noteworthy interaction. It takes 5 minutes to write a quick note to an officer, a department or officers in general telling them how much you appreciate what they do for us—and a simple “thank you” goes a long way. My office will be delivering these notes to the officers and departments so they know how much you appreciate them.

Have a great week,

Vicky Hartzler

Member of Congress