U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and David Perdue, R-Ga., introduced a bipartisan resolution with every member of the Senate on Monday that honors law enforcement officers in Georgia and across the country. The resolution designates the week of May 12 to 19, 2019, as National Police Week. Peace Officers Memorial Day is recognized annually on May 15.
 
The resolution recognizes by name the 159 law enforcement officers across the United States, including six in Georgia, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty in 2018. The resolution also remembers the 41 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty since the beginning of 2019. On Saturday, Sergeant Kelvin Ansari of the Savannah Police Department in Savannah, Ga., became the most recent Georgia officer to be killed in the line of duty, passing away after being shot as he attempted to apprehend a robbery suspect. His was the third officer death in Georgia in 2019.
 
Additionally, the resolution recognizes the continual selfless acts of sacrifice and bravery carried out by members of the law enforcement community, expresses condolences to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and encourages the people of the United States to promote awareness of the vital role that law enforcement officers perform in service to the United States and the communities in which they serve.
 
“Our law enforcement officials dedicate their lives and willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities, and we are in their debt,” said Isakson. “I especially pray for all those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. The National Police Week resolution is but a small token of thanks and remembrance to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
 
“Our police officers are always one call away and the first to lend a helping hand when they see someone in need,” said Perdue.“Just this weekend, Sergeant Kelvin Ansari of Savannah was killed while working to protect his community. This tragedy underscores the dangers that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty. It’s because of their bravery and courage that countless lives are saved in Georgia every day. I join all Georgians in saluting Sergeant Ansari, his family, and all law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
 
In 2018, these six Georgia law enforcement officers paid the ultimate price: Michael Wayne Smith of the Henry County Police Department, Isidro Flores of the DeKalb County Police Department, Antwan DeArvis Toney of the Gwinnett County Police Department, Francis A. McClelland Jr., of the Ludowici Police Department, Anthony Lawrence Christie of the Savannah Police Department, and Chase Lee Maddox of the Locust Grove Police Department.
 
The Senate resolution was led by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.