Weekly Address — October 31, 2019

From the historic hallways of the most beautiful state Capitol in our great nation, this is Senator Keith Ingram.

I am humbled at receiving The Arkansas State Police Foundation’s Award for Leadership, which is named in honor of former Representative and Senator Bobby Glover.

It has special meaning for me, as Bobby Glover served in the Senate with both my father and brother, and all were staunch, long-time advocates for our State Police.

I am most appreciative of the award, because I grew up idolizing the State Police.

I thought that Troop D in Forrest City was the greatest place on earth. I knew all the license plates, and who drove which car by the number of the plate. I probably broke a number of regulations when I would ride with them on patrol.

Troopers and their families face danger every day, a fact that was brought home to me first hand when my close friend, Sgt. Glen Bailey, was killed in the line of duty.

Glen was a Trooper’s Trooper who had all the right stuff. We lost him at a far, far too early age. His death made me realize the inherent danger that our State Police face every day.

I cannot tell you how grateful and appreciative I am to be honored by the Arkansas State Police Foundation. Their mission is a noble one and one we should all support.

Senator Jim Hendren and I sponsored the legislation that made this award possible.

It’s a great example of what we can accomplish when the Republican Senate Pro Tempore and the Democratic Senate Minority Leader work together.

When we prioritize what’s best for our state over what’s best for our party, it makes our state a better and safer place for all our citizens.

From the Capitol, it is always my greatest honor and most sincere privilege to serve you as your state Senator. This is Keith Ingram.