Obama: U.S. owes police a debt

Obama praised the recipients of 2014 National Association of Police Organizations TOP COPS

May 13, 2014 02:18 AM

President Barack Obama shakes hands with Brayden Gero, 9, son of Boston Police officer Jarrod Gero, during a ceremony to honor the 2014 National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) TOP COPS in East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, May 12, 2014.

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The United States owes a debt to the police officers who put themselves in danger to protect the nation, President Barack Obama said Monday as he honored the nation’s top police officers at the White House.

In a ceremony in the East Room, Obama praised the recipients of 2014 National Association of Police Organizations TOP COPS. Obama said when the moment came, the officers didn’t hesitate to take action, but instead ran toward danger.

“The 53 officers, detectives, patrolmen, special agents, and troopers that we celebrate today are America’s finest, the best of the best,” Obama said.

Some of the officers honored helped respond to the Boston Marathon bombing or the shooting at the Washington Navy Yard. Obama said some sustained injuries or lost friends and partners in the call of duty. All of the officers honored this year were men.

Vice President Joe Biden, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and other top officials joined Obama for the ceremony. Biden said the families of the officers also make sacrifices for the nations’ security, but they often go without recognition.