[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 14, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO TOMMY LOVING

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, it is a pleasure to join the 
residents of Warren County, as well as law enforcement professionals 
throughout Kentucky, in congratulating my friend Tommy Loving as he 
marks 50 years of distinguished service in law enforcement next month. 
With a dedication to service, Tommy has been instrumental in the 
protection of Kentucky's families and communities. He continues to 
answer the call of duty each and every day, and our Commonwealth is 
safer as a result.
  Tommy's career in law enforcement began at age 21 when he joined the 
Kentucky State Police, KSP, as a dispatcher. He would wear the gray 
uniform for more than two decades, serving as a trooper and then 
sergeant at posts across the Commonwealth.
  In response to the ongoing struggle against illegal drugs, local 
leaders established the Bowling Green-Warren County Drug Task Force in 
1997. They asked Tommy to put his experience to work protecting 
families from the spike of substance abuse as the organization's 
inaugural director. For the last 23 years, Tommy has done just that.
  The task force is a collaborative team from the local police 
department, the county sheriff, Western Kentucky University's police 
force, the KSP, professionals from the Kentucky Governor's and Attorney 
General's Offices, and Federal law enforcement. These officers, 
bolstered by chemists, prosecutors, and support staff, lead the fight 
against the spread of dangerous substances in Warren County. As 
Kentucky continues to endure the devastating consequences of the opioid 
epidemic and a resurgence of methamphetamine use, the task force's 
expertise is vital now more than ever.
  Because of his decade-long record leading this highly specialized 
team, Tommy was asked to take on an additional responsibility as the 
executive director of the Kentucky Narcotic Officers' Association, 
KNOA. With a mission to assist law enforcement personnel throughout the 
State with training and support as they combat illicit drug abuse, KNOA 
has increased the wellbeing of communities throughout the Commonwealth.
  In recognition of his success in both local and State law 
enforcement, Tommy was selected to be the regional director for the 
National Narcotics Officers' Association Coalition in 2010. Now, he 
coordinates with officers and policymakers across six States and our 
Nation's Capital to share best practices and enhance public safety. 
Other States are looking to Kentucky for leadership, and Tommy's 
experience is benefiting families and communities around the country.
  Thankfully, last year Kentucky saw the largest decrease in drug 
overdose fatalities in a decade. It was a long-awaited glimmer of hope 
in our fight against addiction. The service of law enforcement 
officers, like Tommy, is a critical part of our comprehensive response 
to the addiction epidemic, and I hope he and his colleagues are proud 
of their contributions to this good news. In 2018, the KNOA Board 
unanimously voted to bestow on Tommy their Lifetime Distinguished 
Service Award for his decades of work protecting families and 
communities from substance abuse.
  It is a distinct pleasure for me to join the chorus praising Tommy 
for his half-century in law enforcement. We may never be able to repay 
the selfless sacrifices of the brave men and women who protect our 
communities, but we can and should show our gratitude. Tommy's 
leadership and service are a great asset to Kentucky, and I know I 
speak for many when I say thank you. As he celebrates this milestone, I 
hope my Senate colleagues join me in sharing our congratulations with 
Tommy Loving and thanking him for his faithful service to Kentucky 
families.

                          ____________________