Obama hails courage of nation's police officers

Obama praises nation's police officers for having courage, signing up 'to do some tough stuff'

5/11/2013
ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON— President Barack Obama is praising the nation’s police officers for courage and for signing up, in his words, “to do some tough stuff.”

Obama says the country saw what the police are made of last month, when many ran toward explosions near the Boston Marathon finish line not knowing what else they would face.

He also recalled citizens of Watertown, Mass., applauding police after they captured the second bombing suspect.

Obama said there are few opportunities to applaud the men and women who help keep the country safe, “but they’re out there.”

He spoke at a White House ceremony honoring the 2013 National Association of Police Organizations TOP COPS award winners. The group includes officers from California, Illinois, Iowa, Florida, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Wisconsin.