Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Page S2419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, our Nation commemorates National
Police Week in May, bringing together law enforcement officers,
families, and public safety advocates from across the country to the
Nation's Capital to pay respect to law enforcement officers who lost
their lives in the line of duty last year.
The coronavirus outbreak in our country has disrupted the public
tributes in Washington and in communities across the country. However,
COVID-19 will not diminish our heartfelt gratitude to the fallen and
those they left behind. This year, an online virtual candlelight vigil
has replaced an in-person national ceremony to honor fallen officers
from across the Nation.
Sadly, the State of Mississippi lost four officers in the line of
duty last year. These brave men are being recognized this week, and
their names have been added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial
here in Washington, DC.
On May 5, 2019, Officer Robert McKeithen, 58, of Biloxi, was ambushed
and tragically murdered. An Air Force veteran, Office McKeithen served
with the Biloxi Police Department for 24 years and planned on retiring
by the end of the year. He was dearly loved by his family, friends, and
fellow officers.
Constable Willie West, known as Hoot, was first elected in 1971 as
constable of Lowndes County District 1 and was serving his 13th
consecutive term. He had previously served with the Columbus Police
Department and Lowndes County Sheriff's Office. He had a total of 52
years of law enforcement service and was a founding member and first
president of the Mississippi Constables Association. On May 6, 2019,
Constable West was serving civil papers when his vehicle struck a tree.
He succumbed to his injuries a few days later at the age of 81, leaving
behind a son, two daughters, five grandchildren, five great-
grandchildren, his mother, brother, and two sisters.
Chickasaw County Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Voyles died in a single
automobile crash while conducting an investigation on August 27, 2019.
He was assigned to the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit. Prior to
joining the sheriff's department, Voyles served as a law enforcement
officer with the Mississippi Department of Transportation. He is
survived by his wife, two young children, and his parents.
On December 12, 2019, Panola County Constable Eula Ray ``Raye''
Hawkins, 57, was killed when his vehicle was struck by a stolen pickup
truck being pursued by other officers. Constable Hawkins served in law
enforcement for 29 years. He is survived by his son, who serves with
the Batesville Police Department, a daughter, one grandson, and two
sisters.
I join the families, fellow officers, and communities of these four
Mississippi officers, who dedicated themselves to bravely serving the
people of my State, honoring their lives with a deep sense of gratitude
for their service.
My heart aches any time a law enforcement officer is lost, whether it
is in the line of duty or not. Their names may not grace a national
memorial, but their service still merits recognition.
For instance, long-time Lawrence County Deputy Sheriff Robert
Ainsworth and his wife, Paula, were among the 14 Mississippians who
lost their lives in terrible tornadoes that hit my State on Easter
Sunday. In his last act, Deputy Ainsworth, a Marine Corps veteran who
died trying to shield his wife from harm, demonstrated the selflessness
and bravery that is characteristic of so many in law enforcement.
Law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to help keep us safe,
and any loss of an officer profoundly affects entire communities. My
admiration for the law enforcement community, who remain deeply
dedicated despite the dangers of their noble profession, knows no
bounds. We acknowledge their brave service and fortify our support of
their work to serve and protect our families and our communities.
____________________
