State Rep. Angela Rigas on Tuesday highlighted the need to supply law enforcement officers with additional resources in light of recent killings of police officers across Michigan. Melvindale Police Officer Mohamed Said, Oakland County Deputy Brad Reckling, and Hillsdale County Deputy William Butler Jr. all were killed in the line of duty over the last month.

“These senseless killings have left families without fathers and communities less safe,” said Rigas, whose husband is currently enrolled in the police academy. “These brave officers were on the frontlines protecting our communities from violent crime when they tragically paid the ultimate price. My husband will soon be a police officer doing the same job as these three brave men. I cannot imagine the pain I would feel if I were to lose him as these families lost their loved ones. I will forever offer my support and prayers as a mother, wife, and state lawmaker.”

Rigas noted that the Legislature must make providing additional resources for law enforcement across Michigan a top priority, especially considering the recently passed budget for next year includes a glaring lack of support for law enforcement.

“We must do better. Keeping our communities safe isn’t a Republican or Democrat issue; it’s an American one,” said Rigas, R-Caledonia. “We cannot let the deaths of these heroes be in vain. We must take this opportunity to step up and give law enforcement officers the recognition and support they deserve.”

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