For Immediate Release

Contact:
Eric Rose (805) 624-0572

Los Angeles - March 21, 2009 Paul M. Weber, President of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, issued the following statement about the tragic shooting today of four Oakland police officers.

We join our fellow police officers in praying for the families and friends whose hearts ache for their lost loved ones. We pray that God will continue to comfort and heal the residents of Oakland. The murder rampage today in Oakland should serve as a reminder that every day police officers bravely protect our families, friends, and neighbors from crime. Police officers in California and across the country work to improve the quality of life for all of us. For that, they deserve our sincere appreciation and respect.

The courageous officers in Oakland, like officers across the country, are an essential part of keeping our communities safe. We cannot forget that the safety of everyone is preserved and enhanced as a direct result of the vigilance and dedication of police officers. Across the county, nearly 900,000 law enforcement personnel keep our communities safe. Sadly, every year, a law enforcement officer is killed somewhere in the United States about every 53 hours, and there are nearly 60,000 assaults against police officers each year, resulting in over 18,000 injuries. We ask that community leaders continue to recognize the importance of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers.

About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,800 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com