Every name etched into the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial represents more than a badge; it represents a life of service, sacrifice, and courage. Behind every fallen officer is a family, a department, and a community forever changed by that loss.

That is why Police Officers’ Defense Coalition (PODC) strongly supports the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act (H.R. 309), important legislation that ensures America continues to honor fallen officers while strengthening programs that support officer safety, wellness, and public understanding of law enforcement.

Introduced by Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX-22), the bill has already earned broad bipartisan backing in the House with an impressive 124 Co-sponsors, demonstrating strong national support for preserving the legacy and mission of America’s law enforcement community.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act would authorize federal funding over seven fiscal years to support the work of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C.

The legislation strengthens programs focused on:

• Honoring officers killed in the line of duty
• Supporting surviving families
• Expanding officer safety and wellness initiatives
• Increasing public education about the realities of policing
• Building stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve

Specifically, the bill authorizes $6 million annually to support memorialization efforts, educational programming, officer safety initiatives, outreach programs, and preservation of law enforcement history.

In recent years, law enforcement agencies across the country have faced unprecedented challenges: rising retirements and resignations, recruitment and retention difficulties, increased anti-police sentiment, and growing violence against officers. At a time when officers are under increasing pressure, preserving the memory of fallen heroes and educating the public about the realities of policing has never been more important.

This legislation is about more than remembrance—it is about ensuring that the sacrifices of fallen officers continue to inspire and educate future generations. Police Officers’ Defense Coalition proudly supports H.R. 309 because it honors fallen officers and their families, supports officer wellness and safety initiatives, expands public education about law enforcement, strengthens relationships between officers and communities,  and preserves the legacy of those who gave their lives in service. 

At a time when law enforcement officers face increasing challenges, this legislation ensures their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

America must never forget the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. The National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act is a meaningful investment in honoring fallen officers, supporting surviving families, and strengthening the future of law enforcement nationwide.

If you support law enforcement, now is the time to act. Contact your U.S. Representative and urge them to support and pass H.R. 309 — the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act.