Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) today announced that he is sponsoring legislation to protect law enforcement and emergency services personnel by making certain offenses committed against them hate crimes. McDonough has been a staunch proponent of law enforcement during his time in the Assembly and said he is proud to champion this cause.

“We are talking about enacting protections for the dedicated men and women who protect us and our families every day,” McDonough said. “It is beyond comprehension why someone would purposely attack a police officer or first responder, but those who do should be punished harshly. While members of the media, public and even our state leaders continue to denigrate the job law enforcement does, I will continue to stand with our men and women in blue and uphold their protection and esteem.”