-9999

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. COTTON. Madam President, I sadly join my colleague and friend Senator Boozman to honor the life and service of Frank Ramirez.

Every time that a police officer kisses his or her family goodbye before their shift, every time they strap a side arm on or put on their badge, they know that it may be the last time they see their loved ones. These heroes accept that danger because the love of their families, neighborhoods, and communities is greater than any fear they may face on the job.

Our men and women in blue don't just talk about doing good, they actually do it each and every day. Sadly, far too many of them have had to make the ultimate sacrifice in the course of their service.

One such hero was Arkansas Sheriff's Deputy Frank Ramirez. A week before Thanksgiving, Deputy Ramirez was working after midnight when a call went out there was an accident. He answered the call and quickly drove toward the scene. But it was raining hard that evening. Roadways were slick. And as Deputy Ramirez rounded a left turn on Highway 14, he lost control of his car, ran into a culvert, and was sadly killed in the resulting crash.

This heartbreaking tragedy has brought countless Arkansans to their knees in prayer. Deputy Ramirez was serving his community when he died. There are few causes more noble, and we recognize his supreme sacrifice and promise to remember him.

Deputy Ramirez was a husband of 5 years and a father of two young children, a son and a daughter. He is also survived by both his parents and several loving brothers and sisters.

My prayers, Senator Boozman's prayers, and the prayers of all Arkansans go out to his family. They, too, have paid an unbelievable price in the service of our State, our communities, and our safety.

Deputy Ramirez was only 29 years old. He served in the Batesville Police Department and the Independence County Sheriff's Office. He was in law enforcement for nearly 2\1/2\ years. In that short time and at his young age, Deputy Ramirez sacrificed more for his communities than many police veterans who have been on the force for much longer. I join them in saluting his service and honoring his sacrifice.

May God bless Frank Ramirez, may God bless his family, and may God bless all the brave men and women in law enforcement in Arkansas and around our Nation.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source