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Press Releases

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) paid tribute on the Senate floor to the service and sacrifice of Newport Police Officer Lieutenant Patrick Weatherford who was killed in the line of duty on Monday.

The following are Senator Boozman’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

Mr. President, I rise today to pay respect to a law enforcement officer in my home state of Arkansas who lost his life in the line of duty yesterday, Monday, June 12, 2017.

Lieutenant Patrick Weatherford of the Newport Police Department joined other officers in responding to a call of a vehicle break-in when he was shot. Sadly, Lt. Weatherford passed away later that evening.

Weatherford served on the Newport Police force for 15 years and had recently graduated from the FBI Academy. He was also a graduate of ASU-Newport and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Lt. Weatherford was recognized as the 2016 Jackson County Officer of the Year by Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.

His colleagues had great respect and admiration for him and he was known as an officer who performed his duties with professionalism and skill.

This is the second Arkansas law enforcement officer we’ve lost in 2017.

Any occasion when someone who has sworn to protect and serve their community does not return home to the loved ones waiting for them is incredibly sad and heartbreaking.

Arkansans value the men and women who volunteer to help ensure and enhance public safety knowing the risks involved. 

We are devastated by the loss of another law enforcement officer in our state and we thank all those who sacrifice so much to protect us.

I want to encourage my colleagues to pass the Honoring Hometown Heroes Act to allow governors to order the American flag to fly at half-staff in recognition of the sacrifice of first responders like Lt. Weatherford who make the ultimate sacrifice.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Lt. Weatherford’s family and friends, as well as the community he served which will no doubt miss him dearly.

I pray that they will all find comfort during such a difficult time as this.

I also stand with all Arkansans in expressing our gratitude for Lt. Weatherford’s service and commit to honoring the sacrifice that he and others have made to protect us.