ICYMI: Public Safety Leaders Tout Lyerly’s Support For Law Enforcement
Green Bay, WI—Last week, national law enforcement leaders praised Dr. Kristin Lyerly’s history of strong support for law enforcement professionals and the rule of law. Harry Dunn and Danny Hodges, two of the police officers who protected our Capitol on January 6th, joined Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, former President of the National Sheriff’s Association and Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney, and Officer Craig Carlson to discuss the importance of electing leaders like Dr. Lyerly in order to support and maintain safe communities.
Read some highlights from their remarks below and watch the full press conference here
“I think Kristin is the perfect person to go to Washington; I think she can reach across the aisle like Gallagher had done in the past and like Reid Ribble and Steve Kagan did. You know, everybody needs to work together. Let’s not make this Democrats vs Republicans. Let’s do what’s best for America, and importantly to me, let’s do what’s best for police officers. So that is why I think Kristin is the best person for Congress, and that’s why she has my vote.”
Former Sheriff Dave Mahoney (10:00):
“I’m here because I have great faith in Dr. Lyerly. When she becomes a U.S. Congresswoman, she will address the reforms needed in law enforcement. There’s a need for training, new technologies, and for helping us recruit the best quality men and women to do this job.”
Officer Danny Hodges (16:50):
“We hear a lot from elected officials about how law enforcement should operate. Police officers and our departments are frequently used as talking points and political props by both parties. The fact is, in the last two years, violent crime has dropped across the country. This is a direct result of the investments made in state and local law enforcement agencies. The idea that we need to choose between backing law enforcement or supporting communities is a false dichotomy. Building healthy, safe communities requires funding the police and public programs. You have to have both; if you just have one, then the whole thing falls apart. If we want officers to be well-trained and for departments to invest in community-oriented policing, then we need leaders who understand that ‘Back the Blue’ should be more than a slogan. It requires robust funding for local law enforcement agencies and police departments.
Right now, departments across the country are facing recruitment and retention issues. Yes, being a police officer is hard and dangerous work. We risk our lives for public safety. However, the reason departments are facing these issues is due to the current stigma attached to policing. That’s why we need leaders like Dr. Kristin in Washington.”
Former Officer Harry Dunn (20:56):
“Dr. Lyerly in Congress is going to be a person who cares about people, who cares about results, and who gets things done because she works for the people. That’s what public servants do. We work for people. We don’t do it because the pay is great. We don’t do it because we like getting called names out on the street. Nobody would willingly sign up just for that, right? It’s not worth it. You do it because you care. You do it because it’s the right thing to do.”
Attorney General Josh Kaul (29:43):
“This district has a proud history of electing independent representatives, and I can tell you right now that’s the kind of representation Dr. Kristin Lyerly will bring to this district. She will be an independent voice who is not worried about what some party leader or donor wants to happen. She’s going to be focused on what the people of this district want to happen. That’s the kind of leader I want to see for public safety—not someone who will always agree with me, but someone who is committed to doing the right thing, to being an independent voice, and to making our communities safer and stronger. That’s the kind of leader I know Dr. Kristin Lyerly is.”
Dr. Kristin Lyerly, Candidate for Wisconsin’s 8th District (40:14):
“In order for us to have a functional law enforcement system from the bottom all the way to the top, we’ve got to invest. The only way we can do that is by electing leaders who understand, who are willing to invest in our communities, and who recognize that safety, public health, and community are priorities for all of us.”
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