[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 212 (Tuesday, December 15, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S7485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                    Honoring Officer Travis Wallace

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today with my friend and 
colleague from Arkansas to honor Helena-West Helena Police Officer 
Travis Wallace, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on 
Thursday, November 12.
  Officer Wallace was trying to apprehend a suspect wanted in 
connection with a violent crime the previous week. Using his patrol car 
to block the exit of the parking lot where he spotted the suspect in 
the vehicle, he was fired on. Officer Wallace returned fire but was 
struck during the gunfight.
  Officer Wallace was targeted because he was a law enforcement officer 
in pursuit of justice. This is a somber reminder of the dangers police 
officers and other members of the law enforcement community face every 
day. They do so willingly, not knowing the challenges they will 
experience when they leave the comforts of their homes and their loved 
ones.
  Officer Wallace served with professionalism and dedication during his 
10 years in law enforcement. For half his career, he worked for the 
Helena-West Helena Police Department, where he demonstrated his passion 
and commitment for helping those in need.
  The Helena-West Helena police chief described Officer Wallace as an 
ambitious leader who was eager to help the community. Another fellow 
officer applauded his influence on his career and thanked him for the 
skills he taught his brothers in blue that have helped better protect 
that community.
  The outpouring of support from the Helena-West Helena residents, 
citizens across Arkansas, and the members of the law enforcement 
community has given the police department strength, as members mourn 
the loss of this brave officer.
  I join with all Arkansans in expressing our gratitude for Officer 
Wallace's service and his sacrifice. We celebrate his life and example 
of courageous, selfless public service. May his family, including his 
son Travis Junior, find peace in knowing their loved one lived and died 
a true American hero.
  I yield to my colleague, Senator Cotton.
  Mr. COTTON. Madam President, one of the most solemn eulogies any man 
can deliver is for a fallen officer killed in the line of duty. Senator 
Boozman and I have delivered too many of these eulogies already, and we 
regret that we must do so again, but we want to celebrate the life and 
service of Police Officer Travis Wallace of the Helena-West Helena 
Police Department, who died last month at age 41, while attempting to 
bring a murder suspect into custody.
  Officer Wallace and his partner recognized the dangerous suspect in a 
vehicle in a motel parking lot. They conducted a traffic stop. The 
suspect got out of his vehicle and immediately opened fire. Officer 
Wallace bravely and skillfully returned fire, causing the suspect to 
flee, but it was too late. He had already suffered grave wounds. He 
passed away later at the hospital, despite the valiant effort of 
doctors to save his life.
  Officer Wallace believed that policing was his life's calling. He had 
worked in law enforcement for almost a decade, including 5 years with 
the Helena-West Helena Police Department, before his life was so 
tragically cut short.
  In that brief time, Officer Wallace established himself as a leader 
and not just in his department. He was also a loving father, son, and 
brother, known for his sense of humor and his ability to make people 
smile. And he was a man of faith, serving as a deacon at St. Luke 
Missionary Baptist Church.
  Officer Wallace served his community with honor. Tragically, he is 
the fourth law enforcement officer from Arkansas killed this year and 
the 279th officer nationwide.
  Like every officer, he dedicated his life to protect and defend his 
community. That commitment takes courage. It requires officers to run 
toward danger--to approach dangerous men when every human instinct 
might scream to run away.
  Officer Wallace did his job and did his duty with honor. Now his 
watch has ended, but we will always remember the great sacrifice he 
made to keep his community and our State safe.
  May he rest in peace.
  I yield the floor.
  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. CAPITO. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Blackburn). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.