Springfield, Illinois —State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge are proud to announce today as Disabled Peace Officers Recognition Day in the State of Illinois. Today honors and recognizes the ongoing bravery and sacrifices of peace officers who live with disabilities they have received in the line of duty.

"Police officers, deputies, and correctional officers are at risk of injury and assault nearly every day on the job, and every year approximately 50 officers are disabled in the line of duty," stated Senator Munoz. "There is currently a day to honor those who have given their lives, but I believe it is also important to honor those who have been injured and disabled while serving the citizens of Illinois."

The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge recognizes that police officers, deputies, and correctional officers are at risk of injuries and assaults nearly every day on the job and that approximately 50 police officers are disabled in the line of duty each year. Becoming a disabled officer is very traumatic.

Officers suffer more than the loss of health. Disabled peace officers also experience financial struggle, loss of peer support, and loss of status in the community. They are forced from a job they love and are not ready to give up. For these reasons, becoming disabled from a profession where health, strength, and ability to perform are prized can have great psychological consequences. Peace officers who have been separated from their duties due to disability have a suicide rate ten times higher than that for active officers.

There are currently a total of 992 Illinois police officers that have been disabled in the line of duty in Illinois. In the interest of those men and women it is resolved by the Senate of the 97th General Assembly of the State of Illinois that Disabled Peace Officers Recognition Day shall be observed throughout the State by the citizens of Illinois with civic remembrances to acknowledge their sacrifices and our gratitude.