Old North News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 18, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) delivered a speech on the Senate floorhonoring the North Carolina law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty over the last year to commemorate National Police Week. 

Senator Tillis spoke about the service and sacrifice of three officers who were killed in the line of duty by others: Sergeant Matthew Ryan Fishman of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Sheriff Ned Byrd of the Wake County Sheriff's Office, and Deputy Sheriff Oscar Bolanos-Anavisca, Jr. of the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office. 

Senator Tillis also announced he will be reintroducing the Protect and Serve Act this Congress, legislation that would create federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target local, state, or federal law enforcement officers with violence.

“Over the last year, North Carolina tragically lost three law enforcement officers who were killed by others in the line of duty, in addition to a number of officers who died from other causes,” said Senator Tillis. “In the wake of these tragic losses in North Carolina, we also saw the very best of our local communities. There was an outpouring of love and support for the family and colleagues of those fallen officers.”

“Law enforcement has our backs every time they put on the uniform. The least Congress can do is signal to law enforcement that we have their backs too by passing the Protect and Serve Act,” Senator Tillis continued. “They need our support now more than ever. To the men and women in blue in North Carolina and across the country: thank you for everything you do. You deserve our gratitude.” 

Watch Senator Tillis’ full speech here.