Nomination of Amy Coney Barrett

Floor Speech

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Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, the men and women of law enforcement in Arkansas could have no greater champion in the U.S. Senate than John Boozman. It is always an honor to join him on the floor, but today is a sad and solemn honor to be here to commemorate the life of Detective Kevin Collins.

Detective Collins of Pine Bluff had known since he was the young age of 3 that he wanted to be a police officer. His step-dad worked for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. His mom was a teacher. So from an early age, the role models in Kevin's life inspired him to serve others, and serve he did, above and beyond the call of duty.

For a time he worked as an emergency services dispatcher. Then he worked for the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Five years ago, he realized his childhood dream by joining his hometown police department to serve the community he knew and loved.

Detective Collins was part of the violent crimes unit, which means he worked on some of Arkansas' most dangerous cases. He had a special passion for taking illegal guns off the streets and mentoring young people in the community.

His hard work was noticed and rewarded. Just 2 years after joining the force, Detective Collins was named Officer of the Year after rushing into a burning apartment building and rescuing a 95-year-old woman trapped inside.

When he received that award, Detective Collins reflected on his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer, which he described as a ``service'' and something ``I could be proud of.''

You could say that Kevin Collins was destined to be a police officer. Tragically, he was also destined to die as one, much too soon.

Earlier this month, Detective Collins was tracking a suspected murderer who was holed up in a hotel. A gun battle broke out. Detective Collins and his fellow officer, Lieutenant Ralph Isaac, were hit during this exchange and rushed to the hospital. Lieutenant Isaac has begun to recover, but, sadly, Detective Collins did not. He went home to be with the Lord at the age of 35, leaving his family, his community, and our State heartbroken over the loss.

Detective Collins' death is a tragedy and a stark warning and reminder of the dangers police officers face every day.

Detective Collins joins 231 of his fellow officers who have died in the line of duty in America just this year, but it would be a mistake only to mark Detective Collins' death. We ought also to learn from his example in life.

Kevin Collins was a guardian of Pine Bluff, whether in his capacity as an officer or off duty as a security guard at his local church.

When he received the Officer of the Year Award in 2017, Detective Collins said that being a police officer was about extending a ``life line to save others.'' We will never know how many lives Kevin Collins saved, but we do know that his hometown is now safer and more peaceful because of his years of service.

Pine Bluff was blessed to have a guardian the likes of Kevin Collins. Now his watch on Earth is over. He is looking down on us from above. May he rest in peace.

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