[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 78 (Monday, May 14, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2634-S2635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                          National Police Week

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, this is National Police Week, a time for 
recognizing the men and women in law enforcement who serve and protect 
our Nation. National Police Week is a solemn occasion to honor those 
who tragically lost their lives while serving in the line of duty. The 
names of those men and women are carved on the walls of the National 
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
  Each year during this week, families and colleagues of the fallen 
travel to our Nation's Capital for this special commemoration. This 
year, 360 names will be added, including four officers who served the 
citizens of Arkansas. We remember Arkansans whose names are newly 
etched onto the walls of this treasured memorial. I would like to 
recognize these heroes.
  Drew County Sheriff's Deputy Timothy Braden gave his life while 
serving and protecting the citizens of Arkansas. Deputy Braden, 
unfortunately, passed away in a car crash after attempting to stop a 
vehicle whose driver had refused to stop, leading him on a high-speed 
chase.
  Deputy Braden had recently joined the Drew County Sheriff's Office 
after serving 3 years at the McGehee Police Department. His commitment 
to enforcing the law, helping those in need, and protecting the 
community touched the lives of those with whom he served. They will 
remember him as a kind and hard-working officer who performed his job 
with a positive attitude.
  Lieutenant Patrick Weatherford of the Newport Police Department had 
responded to a call of a vehicle break-in when he was fatally shot. He 
had proudly served in law enforcement for 15 years. Throughout his time 
in uniform, he continued to pursue opportunities to better serve the 
community. He was a 2016 graduate of the FBI National Academy and was 
working toward a master's degree in criminal justice.
  I would also like to honor the dedication and service of Kevin 
Mainhart, a Yell County Sheriff's deputy. He was responding to a 
domestic disturbance call and initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle 
connected to the situation when he was fatally shot. Deputy Mainhart 
had spent more than 20 years serving and protecting Arkansas 
communities in law enforcement and was a veteran of the Air Force.
  The selfless service of Keith Bradford, Sr., Turrell police chief, is 
also worthy of recognition. The chief is one of 231 members of the law 
enforcement community who died in a previous year, but his sacrifice 
will be documented on the memorial this year.
  Chief Bradford helped launch the law enforcement agency in 2012. In 
2014, he responded to a call to assist officers from another local 
jurisdiction with a high-speed chase. He checked the safety of the 
officers, but according to a police report, Chief Bradford was left 
shaken. Hours later, he suffered a fatal heart attack. Chief Bradford 
had dedicated more than 20 years of his life to law enforcement.
  Each of these officers demonstrated courage and determination in the 
face of danger. These heroes, like all members of the law enforcement 
community, commit their lives to protecting the public. In their 
profession, there is no such thing as an off-duty officer. Answering a 
call for help is ingrained in who they are.
  As a member of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, I am committed to 
providing our first responders with tools, resources, and training to 
help them prepare for unpredictable circumstances. These men and women 
are brave and selfless heroes who risk their lives every day to keep 
our communities safe.
  This Congress, I was proud to cosponsor the Honoring Hometown Heroes 
Act to give their home States the opportunity to provide a fitting 
tribute for their service, should they make the ultimate sacrifice. 
This bill would allow Governors to order the American flag to fly at 
halfstaff in recognition of first responders who are killed in the line 
of duty. Those who are called to serve and protect have earned this 
honor.
  I am pleased that it was included as a provision in the Bipartisan 
Budget Act of 2018 that was signed into law earlier this year. We can 
all agree that these courageous first responders deserve this powerful 
acknowledgement in recognition of their sacrifice.
  On behalf of all Arkansans, I thank law enforcement officers at the 
local, State, and Federal levels for all they do to keep us safe. We 
appreciate your dedication and the heroism you display each and every 
day. Thank you for doing whatever it takes to protect and serve your 
families, neighbors, and fellow citizens.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Ernst). The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.

[[Page S2635]]

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, a little later this afternoon, we are 
going to have votes on the confirmation of two judges to serve on the 
Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The vote will be on the confirmation 
of Amy St. Eve and Michael Scudder to fill these Illinois seats. They 
are two outstanding nominees, and I am proud to support both of them.