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Floor Speech

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Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today with my friend and colleague, Senator Cotton, to recognize the service and the sacrifice of Stone County Sheriff's Deputy Justin Smith, who was fatally wounded in the line of duty on January 2, 2024.

It takes a special person to wear a law enforcement officer's uniform. For Deputy Smith, being part of this select group of individuals called to serve and protect was a dream come true. He was a distinguished member of the law enforcement community for 24 years, honorably serving first as a corrections officer in Jackson and Independence Counties and then as a constable and deputy sheriff in Stone County, where he spent 14 years.

Deputy Smith loved his job. He loved working for the good of his family, friends, and neighbors. He was so proud to be in a position to make a difference in the lives of the Arkansans and took advantage of that opportunity on countless occasions.

Those who served alongside him recognized his compassion and the helpful influence he had on the youth he worked with--two marks of any special public servant. Stone County Sheriff Brandon Long described Deputy Smith as a team player who was always willing to go the extra mile. The sheriff said:

There was never a time he was called to come in that he didn't show up.

By living his life dedicated to public service, he also instilled that passion in his family. His sons have taken up roles with a higher calling as well, one being a veteran, another currently serving in Active Duty in the Air Force, and another who followed directly in his father's footsteps by pursuing a career in law enforcement. They all benefited from the love of their dad, not only for them but for others, and the faithful way he went about showing it in every aspect of life.

As Deputy Smith knew, we depend on law enforcement officers to keep us safe. His death is a tragic reminder of the risks these men and women face each day, and it prompts us to ensure we always offer the gratitude and respect they so richly deserve in exchange for the tremendous sacrifices that they make.

I join all Arkansans as we mourn the death of this hero.

I ask my colleagues to lift up Deputy Smith's wife Lori and his entire family, Stone County's law enforcement personnel, and all who loved him in prayer. We will forever remember him as the true hero he was.

I yield to my colleague, Senator Cotton.

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