[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 144 (Tuesday, November 13, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                   TRIBUTE TO SHERIFF KEITH FERGUSON

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Benton 
County sheriff Keith Ferguson, who is retiring after more than four 
decades of dedication to safety and law enforcement.
  Serving for 32 years with the Arkansas State Police, with more than 
half of those years as supervisor of Carroll and Benton Counties, Keith 
made a career out of helping the people of Arkansas.
  In 2003 he became the sheriff of Benton County, a position he still 
holds today. In the past 10 years he has proven his commitment to 
keeping Arkansans safe. I have worked with Sheriff Ferguson and other 
community leaders during the institution of the 287(g) Program with 
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE. This local, 
State, and Federal cooperation has played a key role in combating 
illegal immigration in Northwest Arkansas.
  Keith also helped create a child internet pornography investigation 
unit to help keep our children safe and has championed the use of 
inmate labor to help the county through programs such as Habitat for 
Humanity and the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.
  As sheriff of Benton County, he has improved outreach to children and 
the elderly and efficiency in the office with upgraded technology and 
improved equipment and employee training.
  Keith's commitment to safety has been recognized at the State level, 
earning the Arkansas State Police Commendation Award for his heroics in 
apprehending a suspect and the Northwest Community Valor Award for his 
role in capturing three prison escapees.
  I congratulate Sheriff Keith Ferguson for his outstanding 
achievements and success in law enforcement, and I ask my colleagues to 
join me in honoring him on his retirement. I wish him continued success 
in his future endeavors. Benton County is a better place to live thanks 
to his years of service and leadership to Arkansas.

                          ____________________