[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 24, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H7250-H7251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING SERGEANT MIKE STEPHEN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Arkansas (Mr. Crawford) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of our Nation's 
fallen first responders, Sergeant Mike Stephen, who was killed in the 
line of duty on July 18.
  Sergeant Stephen was a true public servant, having served Arkansas 
and our Nation as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, and soldier.

[[Page H7251]]

  Sergeant Stephen began his career as a first responder when he was 
just 16 years old, following in his father's footsteps by joining the 
Calico Rock Fire Department.
  As a soldier, Mike Stephen rose to the rank of sergeant first class. 
As a firefighter, Mike Stephen led the Pineville Volunteer Fire 
Department while he served as a sheriff's deputy. He instilled his 
values and dedication to public service and his family, all of whom 
served as volunteer firefighters. Whenever a call came to the Stephen 
home, the entire family responded.
  As a career law enforcement officer, Sergeant Stephen served in the 
Mountain View Police Department, Arkansas Department of Corrections, 
and, ultimately, the Stone County Sheriff's Office. Beloved by his 
colleagues, Sergeant Stephen viewed public service as more than a job. 
He was always on call 24/7, ready to assist his community in any way. 
He advocated for first responders by testifying before the Arkansas 
General Assembly.
  On Thursday, July 18, Sergeant Stephen responded to his final call. 
Early that morning, Sergeant Stephen responded to a domestic welfare 
call in Leslie, Arkansas. As Stephen performed his duties, shots were 
fired, and Stephen was struck fatally, as was the suspected shooter.
  As Arkansas mourns the loss of Sergeant Mike Stephen, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in extending my condolences to the Stephen family 
and honoring the life of a true public servant who gave his life 
protecting the community he loved.

                          ____________________