WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) issued the following statement on Ohio’s law enforcement in recognition of National Police Week:

“Our brave men and women in blue selflessly serve our communities with courage, dedication and strength,” said Dave. “As a former prosecutor, I know all too well the danger these heroes face to protect us and our families. It’s only right to recognize all they risk to keep us safe. I am proud to stand with Ohio’s law enforcement officers, not just during National Police Week, but each and every day and will continue to do all I can to support them.”

As part of the U.S. House of Representatives’ effort to recognize National Police Week, Dave voted to reauthorize the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Grant Program. Created in 1998, the BVP program provides critical resources to state, local and tribal jurisdictions to purchase bulletproof body armor for law enforcement officers. As of January this year, the BVP program has provided over $467 million in federal funds to help more than 13,000 jurisdictions throughout the nation purchase over 1,349,813 bulletproof vests. Dave also provided Congressional Remarks to highlight the importance of supporting innovation for ballistics protection and to applaud efforts in Ohio that help protect the men and women who risk their lives to protect our communities.

A long-time supporter of law enforcement, Dave has consistently voted for legislation that protects Ohio’s police officers including the Protect and Serve Act of 2018, the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017 and the Thin Blue Line Act. While both the Protect and Serve Act and the Thin Blue Line Act unfortunately stalled in the Senate after passing the House, the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017 was signed into law last year by President Trump and is currently being implemented in Ohio and across the country.

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