Washington, DC - On Tuesday, May 14^th, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) submitted a statement for the Congressional Record in recognition of National Police Week. The Senator's statement pays tribute to Massachusetts law enforcement officers Sean Gannon, Michael Chesna, and Leon Moody, all of whom died in the line of duty and whose names were engraved this week on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC.

The full text of Senator Warren's statement is available below.

Mr. President, this week the country will observe National Police Week, a week in honor of the courageous law enforcement officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

As we honor the service of our brave men and women in the law enforcement community, I would like to take the opportunity to honor the life and memory of three law enforcement officers from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities: Sean M. Gannon, Michael C. Chesna, and Leon F. Moody.

Sergeant Sean Gannon, of New Bedford, was killed in the line of duty on April 12, 2018. He was a lifelong public servant, first serving as a public safety officer and later becoming a police officer with the Yarmouth Police Department, where he served for eight years. When he wasn't on duty, Sergeant Gannon enjoyed volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, spending time outdoors, traveling, and devoting time to family and friends.

Sergeant Gannon, who lost his life at the age of 32, was the beloved son of Denise Morency Gannon and Patrick Gannon, and a devoted husband to his wife, Dara.

Sergeant Michael Chesna, who was killed in the line of duty on July 15, 2018, dedicated his life to his country, his community, and his family. A native of Hanover, Massachusetts, Sergeant Chesna enlisted in the United States Army following the September 11 attacks, serving two tours of duty with the 187 10th Mountain Division, where he was awarded the Purple Heart. Following his service in the Army, Sergeant Chesna became a police officer with the City of Weymouth, where he served until his untimely death at the age of 42.

Sergeant Chesna was a loving husband to his wife, Cindy, and father to his children Olivia and Jack. He was an avid Boston sports fan who enjoyed playing basketball, collecting sports memorabilia, and spending time with family and friends. 

Patrolman Leon Moody of the Worcester Police Department died of an illness he sustained in the line of duty in 1932. He served the Worcester P.D. bravely for 15 years, before passing away at the age of 44.

Sergeants Gannon and Chesna and Patrolman Moody are among 371 law enforcement officers who died while protecting their communities, and whose names were engraved this week on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial here in Washington, D.C.

This week and every day, we honor their service and their sacrifice. Most importantly, we honor the lives they lived and legacies they leave behind. May their memories continue to challenge and inspire us. 

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