Washington, DC - Statement By Secretary Jeh C. Johnson On National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day:

"Today, on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I would like to thank all law enforcement officers serving our communities. From the frontline officers across the Department of Homeland Security, to the federal, state and local officers we work with every day, your important efforts go unnoticed far too often.

"Just last month I had the privilege of delivering remarks at the New York Police Department Academy graduation ceremony. As I noted then, the terrorist threat today is very different than it was on 9/11. Given the events of recent months, local law enforcement is at a heightened state of awareness. Homeland security has become a matter of hometown security, and the local officer on the beat may be the first to detect a terrorist attack on the United States. I am confident that the men and women serving in law enforcement will continue to rise to the challenge posed by the evolving terrorist threat.

"To law enforcement personnel, both within DHS and across the country, thank you for your continued service to protect the public and preserve the peace, and for putting your life on the line every day." ~ Jeh C. Johnson