Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), in observance of National Police Week, on Wednesday commemorated the two Alabama law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2018.

Shelby co-sponsored S.Res.209, the Senate resolution designating this week as “National Police Week” – a week in which Americans honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across the country.

“I am grateful for the unwavering service of our nation’s police force,” Shelby said in a statement. “Law enforcement officers throughout the United States put their lives on the line each day in order to protect Americans.”

Last year, the following two officers from Alabama were added to the Officer Down Memorial Page:

• Officer Justin Taylor Billa of Mobile, Alabama – Officer Billa served with the Mobile Police Department for two years and one month.
• Officer Keith O’Neal Earle of Huntsville, Alabama – Officer Earle served with the Huntsville Police Department for 25 years.

Shelby concluded, “Every year during National Police Week, we recognize their selfless acts of bravery, and we remember the courageous officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. I send my sincere condolences to the families and friends of our fallen heroes in Alabama, Officer Billa and Officer Earle, and to those across the country.”

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn