LITTLE ROCK– U.S. Senator John Boozman kicked off a week-long #EverySecondCounts tour across the state to hear from and thank Arkansas first responders. Monday’s stops included updates from the Little Rock Police Department, a tour of Saline County 911 and a visit with the Benton Police Department.

“Our first responders are often unsung heroes," Boozman said. “Every day they go about their work saving lives and providing emergency services in every city and the most rural areas of Arkansas. I am grateful for their commitment and look forward to learning more about the great work they are doing across our state.”

During his visit to the Little Rock Police Department’s downtown substation, Boozman received an update on community’s participation in the Violence Reduction Network, a comprehensive program that leverages existing Department of Justice resources to deliver strategic, intensive training and technical assistance to reduce violence, and recent work by the Major Crimes Unit.

"Senator Boozman has always been a strong supporter of law enforcement in Arkansas. We look forward to our continued partnership with his office in the coming years,” Little Rock Police Chief Kenton Buckner said.

Boozman also visited with Saline County Emergency Management to learn about updates to the 911 dispatch center and meet with dispatchers.

“It’s great to show Senator Boozman the people and equipment we use to keep the community safe. We appreciate the senator’s visit and showing support for these first responders,” Saline County Director of Emergency Management Robert McGowen said.

At the Benton Police Department, Boozman visited with local officers. He learned how the department’s efforts to reverse opiate prescription and heroin overdoses using naloxone recently saved a life. Police Chief Kirk Lane says the police department is actively working to train other departments in the use of naloxone.

“I’m always glad to see Senator Boozman. I really appreciate our relationship of being able to talk to each other. He’s been a great help to our endeavors,” Lane said.

Lane and Bryant Police Chief Mark Kizer also presented Boozman with the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police Legislator of the Year award.

Boozman continues the tour in Magnolia on Tuesday to visit with area firefighters. He will also participate in a roundtable discussion with first responders in Grant County. Arkansans are invited to follow the tour on social media using #EverySecondCounts.

During the #EverySecondCounts tour, Boozman met with members of the Little Rock Police Department and prosecutors with the Sixth Judicial District Office.