[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 198 (Wednesday, December 11, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S6961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Honoring Stephen Carr
Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of
Fayetteville, AR, Police Officer Stephen Carr, who made the ultimate
sacrifice in the line of duty on Saturday, December 7.
Officer Carr was sitting in his patrol car in the parking lot behind
the police station when he was shot and killed. The 27-year-old had
been a member of the Fayetteville Police Department for 2\1/2\ years
and was assigned as a patrol officer in the Dickson Street
entertainment area.
In that short time with the police department, he demonstrated his
professionalism and duty to upholding the rule of law. The Fayetteville
police chief described Carr as an exemplary officer who was an all-
American boy. The chief said at a press conference over the weekend:
``If I had 131 Stephen Carr's, I wouldn't be more ecstatic.''
Carr grew up in a law enforcement family. He witnessed the
dedication, service, and commitment to protecting the community by
people he loved. His friends described him as a strong and kind person,
whose lifelong dream was to serve as a police officer.
He loved spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. A graduate from
The Woodlands High School in The Woodlands, TX, Carr played football
and earned recognition as an all-district offensive lineman. He went on
to play football at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO, and
his former coach described him as a young man who made a big impact on
campus.
We rely on law enforcement officers to keep us safe. Each day they
put on their uniform, knowing the risks that come with public duty to
serve and to protect. Officer Carr's death is a reminder of the dangers
these first responders face daily and how quickly a situation can go
from ordinary to deadly, which is why those willing to take on this
role deserve both our gratitude and our respect.
The outpouring of support from the Fayetteville community has been a
tremendous strength to the police department as they mourn the loss of
a brother in blue. I pray they we will find comfort from this
encouragement during this very, very difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Carr's family and friends.
I also stand with all Arkansans in expressing our gratitude for Officer
Carr's service and commitment to honoring the sacrifice that he and
others have made to protect us. We will forever remember him as a true
American hero.
With that, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oregon.