[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 81 (Tuesday, May 11, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING ARKANSAS STATE TROOPER JAMES O. RAY ON BEING NAMED AS 
      AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONS OF STATE TROOPERS TROOPER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE WESTERMAN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 2021

  Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Arkansas 
State Trooper James O. Ray on being named the 2021 American Association 
of State Troopers Trooper of the Year. A three-year veteran of the 
Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division and Franklin County 
resident, Officer Ray exemplifies service beyond the call of duty and 
represents the finest of Arkansas' Fourth District.
  Officer Ray was granted this honor following his courageous action in 
December 2020 in which his wise response to a dangerous chase prevented 
catastrophic damage and injury to the public. After responding to a 
call to support a fellow trooper along Interstate 40 near Ozark, 
Officer Ray followed a suspect vehicle at speeds exceeding 100 miles 
per hour. The suspect later crossed the median, driving toward oncoming 
traffic. Officer Ray drove ahead of the suspect in the opposite lane, 
stopped traffic to protect motorists behind him, and then rammed the 
front corner of the suspect vehicle. Once both vehicles were in the 
median, Trooper Ray safely arrested the suspect, with no injuries to 
the suspect or any other motorist.
  I take this time today to congratulate Trooper Ray on this most 
deserving honor and thank him for his exemplary service to the people 
of the State of Arkansas. May we always look to officers like him as 
the picture of true heroism.

                          ____________________