Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, a society cannot function properly without a means to enforce its laws and protect itself. However, we know all too well that safety and security does not come without a price. National Peace Officers Memorial Day was established to honor the men and women who have paid that price and I rise today to pay tribute to the one hundred and eighty-one federal, state and local law enforcement officers who gave their lives in 2007.

Sadly, Florida lost sixteen officers last year, two of which were from central Florida. On April 13th, Lieutenant Delmar Teagan of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission died in an automobile accident in Polk County. Then, on August 15th, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Sergeant Ronald Harrison was killed by a gunman in Brandon, Florida.

These officers provided communities with safety and security and we are indebted to their service. Like so many of our nation's law enforcement officers willing to work in harm's way, Lieutenant Teagan and Sergeant Harrison are true heroes.

Since 1962, National Peace Officers Memorial Day has been observed on May 15th. This is a time when thousands of law enforcement officers descend upon our Nation's capital to remember and honor their fallen colleagues. Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are with these men and women as they gather to recognize the officers who died in the line of duty while serving the people of this great Nation.