HARRISBURG A resolution recognizing 2015 as the "Year of the Law Enforcement Officer" is no ordinary legislative resolution in the eyes of its sponsors.

It carries a reminder of the Sept. 12 sniper attack outside the Blooming Grove state police barracks in Pike County that killed Cpl. Bryon K. Dickson II of Dunmore and wounded trooper Alex T. Douglass of Olyphant.Most resolutions deal with happy events, but this one is different, said Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, Tuesday at a Capitol event marking the designation."(The resolution) was borne out of tragedy and it carries a reminder of our obligation to those who protect us," she said.Lawmakers, state troopers, members of the Fraternal Order of Police and other law enforcement officers joined to call attention to what they described as increasing dangers facing law enforcement officers due to terrorism and challenges to authority."Law enforcement officers are now being targeted because they wear a badge," said resolution sponsor Sen. John Rafferty, R-Collegeville, referring to the Blooming Grove attack and an ambush last December that killed two New York City Police Department officers."We have to protect our law enforcement officers and the job they do," said Rep. Mike Vereb, R-Collegeville. "It's (designation) long overdue," said Wildlife Conservation Officer Frank Dooley of Wayne County. He spent time last fall on the successful manhunt for Eric Matthew Frein of Canadensis in the wooded terrain of the Poconos. Frein faces first-degree murder and other charges for the sniper attack.The event coincided with the FOP's annual lobbying day.Municipal pension issues are on the agenda, said Les Neri, president of the FOP Pennsylvania State Lodge.He said consolidating hundreds of small municipal pension plans would bring savings on administrative costs.Keeping defined pension benefits is important for police officers because most retire after 20 to 30 years with no Social Security, Neri said.