BALTIMORE – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) issued the following statement marking the beginning of National Police Week and commemorating the lives of three Maryland law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty so far in 2016. 

“Law enforcement officers across Maryland put their lives on the line and make untold sacrifices daily to keep our communities safe and uphold the rule of law. This year as we recognize the efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement officers, we pause to honor the lives of three Maryland law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Senior Deputies Patrick Dailey and Mark Logsdon of the Harford County Sherriff’s office and Officer Jacai Colson of the Prince George’s County Police Department were all model officers who were tragically killed while protecting colleagues and civilians. All three of these men served their communities with distinction and contributed greatly to not only public safety, but also helped build strong and lasting relationships between law enforcement and the people they protect. As we commemorate National Police Week, I thank law enforcement families across the country for sharing their loved ones with the American people. This week and beyond, I hope that the United States Congress and communities across America can come together to ensure that law enforcement officers have the tools and support they need to get the job done and come home safely.”

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, 34 officers have been killed in the line of duty so far their year. Unfortunately Maryland leads the nation in deaths in the line of duty having lost three officers. Senator Cardin’s Blue Alert legislation to expedite the apprehension of criminals who have threatened, injured or killed law enforcement officers was signed into law in May of last year.