Peoria Standard

State Representative Ryan Spain participated in a memorial event, honoring Illinois police officers who have died in the line of duty over the past year. The occasion, known as the Illinois Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony, is aimed at recognizing the bravery of law enforcement officers across the state.

The ceremony served as a reminder of the dangers police officers face and the potential impact of public policy on their safety. Democratic State Comptroller Susana Mendoza addressed the gathering, highlighting concerns about current policies. Mendoza stated, “When we give more rights to the criminals than we do to our police officers, we end up with dead officers and increased crime in our communities. That’ll mean more buttons on that plate."

Mendoza criticized policies allowing those accused of violent crimes to be monitored electronically, with scheduled breaks from surveillance. She reflected on the tragic case of Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez, saying he might still be alive had his alleged assailant been incarcerated instead of on electronic monitoring.

The event also featured Representative Spain expressing his appreciation for Mendoza's remarks and her critique of the SAFE-T Act, urging reconsideration of the law.

The memorial underscored the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by fallen officers while thanking current law enforcement members for their service.