WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) honored fallen Kansas City, Kan., Detective Brad Lancaster on the U.S. Senate Floor this week. Sen. Moran sponsored the Fallen Heroes Flag Act (S. 2755) – introduced by U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) – which was signed into law on Monday. Under the new law, Congress shall provide the immediate family members of fallen first responders with American flags flown over the United States Capitol. Fallen detective Brad Lancaster’s family will be the first to receive this symbolic gesture of the nation’s respect and appreciation. 

In his remarks, Sen. Moran also encouraged passage of a bipartisan congressional resolution (S. Res. 468) to establish this week as National Police Week. Passed by the Senate just hours later, the resolution pays respect to the 123 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty last year and honors them and their families for their tireless efforts to make our communities safer.

Lancaster was killed in the line of duty on May 9, 2016. His friends, family and neighbors remember Brad Lancaster’s commitment to community and its extension beyond his nine years of service to the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department. Before joining the police department, Brad served in the U.S. Air Force and completed two tours of duty abroad, including one in Kuwait during Desert Shield.

Highlights of Sen. Moran’s remarks may be found below, along with links to the video:

(0:18) “I want to honor the life of police detective Brad Lancaster. He is a member of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, and he was killed in the line of duty on May 9 this year…Neighbors say that Brad was a family man and one that was always there to offer a helping hand. Detective Lancaster is survived by his wife Jamie and two daughters Brianna and Jillian. And I join the Kansas City community and law enforcement agencies across the country in our prayers for Detective Lancaster and his family as we mourn his death.

(1:53) “This tragic loss occurred just prior to National Police Week, a time in which we celebrate those who leave their families and homes each day and put their lives on the line to keep our neighborhoods safe…I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to American law enforcement officers and their families. To thank them for working tirelessly amid dangerous conditions for the sake of others, upholding the law, and for the burdens they shoulder and the sacrifices they make on a daily basis. We owe so much to these everyday heroes. 

(2:35) “Law enforcement officers perform some of the most difficult and hazardous jobs in America…Members of this legislative body and communities across America alike must do everything possible we can to protect the lives of those who protect us. Federally, efforts like the Justice Assistance Grant Program and the Bulletproof Vest Grant Program enhance the safety of our law enforcement officers, and Congress’ continued support of these efforts is important.

(3:37) “When we as Americans commit to the safety, training, and support of law enforcement, we can help to secure our streets, strengthen our communities and hopefully reduce the number of deaths in the line of duty. May Kansas City Kansas Police Detective Brad Lancaster and each of those fallen heroes rest in peace.”

Click here to watch Sen. Moran’s remarks on YouTube.

###