Nomination of Amy Coney Barrett

Floor Speech

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Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, it is such an honor and such a pleasure to be with my fellow Senator from Arkansas, Mr. Cotton, as we rise to honor Pine Bluff Detective Kevin Collins, who died while in the line of duty, on Monday, October 5, as a result of injuries he sustained.

Detective Collins was a passionate person about law enforcement and serving the citizens of Pine Bluff. He served his community not only as an officer of the law but also as a mentor and a leader.

It was reported that he had wanted to be a police officer since he had been 3 years old. In an interview with the Pine Bluff Commercial in 2018, he said: ``Ever since I was little, I saw law enforcement as a service and something I could be proud of.'' He worked his entire life to achieve that dream, and it came true 5 years ago when he was hired by the Pine Bluff Police Department on June 8, 2015.

He was first assigned to the patrol division, and he worked his way up to the violent crimes unit. Detective Collins loved being a police officer, and he enjoyed building relationships with the men and women he worked alongside as well as with the citizens whom he served.

His colleagues appreciated his enthusiasm, his hard work, and dedication, which he demonstrated each and every day both in and out of uniform.

Detective Collins was passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. As a mentor to at-risk boys during the department's 2- week Youth Empowerment Camp, he was a role model for teens--encouraging good behavior and reinforcing the importance of making good decisions.

In his short time with the Pine Bluff Police Department, he had a long list of successes that include taking a large number of guns off the streets and earning the department's Officer of the Year for 2017 for his actions in saving a 95-year-old resident while responding to an apartment fire.

Detective Collins lived a faithful life devoted to Christ as a member of New Life Church Pine Bluff.

Pastor Matt Mosler says Detective Collins had a great heart for service. He took that heart for service and put his faith into action, taking the initiative to make his community better.

We rely on law enforcement officers like Detective Collins to keep communities safe, to keep us safe. His death is a tragic reminder of the risk law enforcement officers face each day when they put on their uniform and leave the comforts of their homes and their loved ones to serve and to protect.

Detective Collins was a true hero. Our hearts break for his family, his colleagues at the Pine Bluff Police Department, and community members. I pray they will find comfort from the outpouring of support for this beloved brother in blue.

Senator Cotton, I yield to you.

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