NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

On 2026-05-11, Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) delivered a floor speech titled "NATIONAL POLICE WEEK" in the Senate.

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 79 (Monday, May 11, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 79 (Monday, May 11, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2193] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] NATIONAL POLICE WEEK Mr. HUSTED. Mr. President, I come today to the floor for a moment of reflection and remembrance of four courageous law enforcement officers in Ohio that we lost in 2025. As those in this Chamber and across our Nation may know, it is National Police Week, a dedicated time to honor the service and sacrifice of these heroes who protect us every day. The four officers I am highlighting today lost their lives in the line of duty in 2025. Each of them will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall to honor their lives and dedication to protecting and serving. Honoring Deputy Larry Henderson I want to start with Deputy Larry Henderson. I remember this incident vividly. Deputy Henderson of Hamilton County was 57 years old. He and his wife have five grown children, and he was also a foster father of two infants. After 4 years in the Marine Corps, he spent 33 years with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, holding many of the most dangerous jobs in both endeavors. Deputy Henderson died on May 2, 2025, after being run down by a motorist while working a special detail for the University of Cincinnati's graduation. Deputy Henderson served his country and his community until his final day, and we remain forever grateful. Honoring Officer Phillip Wagner Officer Phillip Wagner. Officer Wagner had served with the Lorain Police Department for 4 years and previously with the Sheffield Village Police Department, also for 4 years. He was a 35-year old combat veteran of the Marine Corps and served two tours of duty--including one in Afghanistan. Officer Wagner was described as a fierce protector--of his family first and foremost but also of his country and his community. Officer Wagner loved God. He was a faith-filled man and was increasingly finding ``peace and rest through his relationship with Jesus,'' according to his pastor. He died on July 24, 2025, the day after he and another patrolman were ambushed--they were ambushed--by a gunman as they ate their lunch in their cruisers. It is a truly tragic event for that community and for his family. His wife, three children, and entire family remain in our prayers. We are forever grateful for the service of Officer Wagner. Honoring Deputy D. ``Weston'' Sherrer Deputy D. ``Weston'' Sherrer was 31 years old and had marked his fourth year with the Morrow County Sheriff's Office. As early as the first grade, Deputy Sherrer declared in a class assignment that his dream was to become a policeman. He said ``I want to catch villains, and I'm willing to risk my life for the people of the United States'' as a first grader, and that is exactly what he did. Deputy Sherrer had not only the desire to work in law enforcement but also the courage and temperament. His ability to connect with people fueled his successful career in law enforcement. Deputy Sherrer was fatally shot on Memorial Day last year during a domestic violence call in Morrow County. He will be remembered. He will be remembered, and we thank him for his service and his sacrifice to his country now and forever. Honoring Trooper Nicholas Cayton Trooper Nicholas Cayton was 40 years old, married to his high school sweetheart, and father of two children. Trooper Cayton was described as a devoted family man and true public servant. He was a 13-year veteran of the Ohio State Highway Patrol team--a team that I know well--and he served for 7 years in the Ohio Army National Guard. Trooper Cayton was killed on October 16, 2025, when his cruiser was struck by a truck while he was helping a driver of a disabled tractor- trailer. His childhood friend stated that ``he had such a knack for making people feel welcome.'' This quality, as well as his charisma, intelligence, and quick wit, served him well throughout his life and his career. We will continue to mourn his loss and pray for all of those who loved him. What you see in the lives of all of these officers whom we lost was their love for their family, for their community, and for their country. These heroes gave their lives for their communities and neighbors. I thank my colleagues for hearing these stories of these Ohioans, these Ohio stories of those who served us, and I thank you all for honoring their service and celebrating their lives. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The senior assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. SCHMITT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Husted). Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________