[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 88 (Monday, May 11, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S2336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                          National Police Week

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to recognize the National 
Police Week in honor of the men and women who serve and protect our 
communities. The individuals called to uphold the rule of law do so in 
times of crisis, and they serve their families, friends, and neighbors 
at a moment's notice. They are selfless public servants who 
courageously face danger head-on.
  Law enforcement officers respond to calls for help while not knowing 
what challenges they will face. We are in a unique time right now and 
experiencing unprecedented challenges in our country. Law enforcement 
officers are working to protect citizens while also safeguarding 
themselves against the unseen enemy of COVID-19.
  The disease has forced departments in Arkansas and all over the 
country to change protocols in order to prevent the spread of the 
disease, but that hasn't stopped the resolve, the determination, and 
the passion of officers to defend the community. Despite this new 
challenge, they continue to serve with the same level of 
professionalism and integrity.
  We are working to provide departments and agencies with additional 
resources to safeguard these public safety officers. I am pleased the 
Department of Justice recently awarded Arkansas near $7 million so we 
can better serve the safety needs of officers in the State and get them 
personal protective equipment--gloves, masks, and sanitizer--that they 
need in order to perform their job safely. This funding is vital as the 
calls for assistance keep coming and police officers continue to 
respond to these emergencies.
  I want to thank our law enforcement officers for their bravery today 
and always. It takes a special person to put their life on the line 
every day to protect our communities. We are fortunate to have some of 
the very best in Arkansas.
  National Police Week is a time that we honor the sacrifices of 
individuals who selflessly serve their community and give their lives, 
if necessary, while in the line of duty. We preserve their legacies by 
adding their names to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in 
Washington, DC, to serve as a reminder of their sacrifices.
  This year, the names of 307 fallen officers will be added to the 
memorial, including five Arkansans. The names of Game Warden Ollie 
Mitts, Deputy Sheriff George Rogers, Deputy Sheriff Ulyss Baldwin, 
Fayetteville Police Officer Stephen Carr, and Stone County Sergeant 
Michael Stephen, Sr. are new to the memorial. We will remember forever 
them as heroes.
  I am a proud cosponsor of the Senate resolution marking National 
Police Week because we must always remember the brave officers whose 
lives were cut short because of their public duty and recognize those 
who continue to selfishly serve to keep us safe.
  I am proud to honor the individuals who are called to serve and 
protect and will advocate for policies that provide our communities and 
officers with the resources they need to protect themselves.
  Thank you to the officers in Arkansas and those all across the 
country for upholding the law, protecting the community, and saving 
lives.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Boozman). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.