Monday evening on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Fairhope) honored slain Mobile Police Officer Justin Billa, who was shot and killed last week while apprehending a murder suspect.

Byrne urged Americans to “take time to say thank you” to local police officers and also made mention of Billa’s surviving wife and young son in the speech.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Mobile Police Officer Justin Billa,” he said. “Officer Billa was tragically killed and shot in the line of duty February 20. I’m not sure my path ever crossed with Officer Billa, but it may have. See, we take for granted the work our police officers do on a daily basis. Police officers hug their family goodbye and leave their home each day and night not ever knowing if they will come home safe. Each and every day our law enforcement and first responders work to keep us safe and support our communities. But we far too often take their service for granted. I can think of no better way to honor the life of Officer Billa than to encourage every American to take time to say thank you to your local police officers.”

Tonight, I spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to remember the life of Mobile Police Officer Justin Billa. Justin’s service and sacrifice to Mobile, Alabama, and the United States will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/VAJ7ToCa8R

— Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) March 6, 2018

“To Officer Billa’s wife Erin and young son Taylor, I hope you take comfort in knowing that you’re loved,” he added. “Justin’s service and sacrifice to Mobile, Alabama will never be forgotten.”

Jeff Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and works as the editor of Breitbart TV. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeff_poor.