[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 7828] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]NATIONAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS' WEEK ______ HON. DAVID E. BONIOR of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 28, 1999 Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, as we approach National Correctional Officers' Week, which begins May 3rd, I wanted to commend the officers who work in correctional facilities in my home state of Michigan. We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who patrol law enforcement's toughest beat and provide an invaluable service to our communities. Correctional officers make the difference in ensuring that dangerous felons are kept securely behind bars. As we know from the correctional officers who have given their lives in the line of duty, it's a dangerous profession that works in the face of threat and deserves our respect and support. We owe a special thanks to these officers who deal with some of the most hardened in our society and yet, deal with them professionally, firmly and fairly. We count on these brave men and women to remain forever alert and ensure the protection of our families. Correctional officers are working in an increasingly stressful environment, as incarceration rates have risen and the inmate population has become more violent. By working together, we can address the unique and often dangerous challenges faced by correctional officers around the country. These officers deserve our commitment to improving working conditions, reducing the threat of assaults and ensuring that they receive wages equal to other law enforcement officers. Too often, we fail to recognize the work of these men and women, but our communities are better, safer places to live and raise our children because of their noble efforts. They deserve our admiration and our thanks. ____________________