MIDDLETOWN, PA – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) marked the start of Police Week 2017 with a ride-along with members of the Middletown Twp. Police Department Monday morning. During the ride-along and station visit, Fitzpatrick and officers discussed community policing challenges, the battle against drug addiction as well as funding and safety.

WATCH REP. FITZPTRICK’S RIDE-ALONG MESSAGE HERE

“As a member of the law enforcement community, I saw firsthand the service and profound commitment to duty of police around our county, and our community,” said Fitzpatrick. “The dedication and sacrifice of our Blue Line deserves to be respected every day, but Police Week is a special time to thank those serving, those who have served, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. To each, we are eternally grateful. So, in recognition of National Police Week 2017, I join with grateful communities around the nation in thanking all police and law enforcement.”

Fitzpatrick, a former FBI special agent and member of the Homeland Security Committee, has been an outspoken advocate for police and first responders during his first months in Congress and has made combating the opioid epidemic a focus of his efforts.

Earlier this year, he introduced the Children of Fallen Heroes Act [H.R. 949] – bipartisan legislation providing a boost of education aid for the children of law enforcement and first responders who have died in the line of duty. The bill is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), National Association of Police Organizations, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Major Cities Chiefs Association, and others. Learn more HERE

This week the House will vote on several bills aimed at providing law enforcement the tools they need to keep our communities safe. These include the Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act of 2017 (H.R. 1616), introduced by Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX), and the Probation Officer Protection Act of 2017 (H.R. 1039), introduced by Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA).