It is with great pleasure that the Maine Association of Police and the Maine State Troopers Association give their endorsement to Susan Collins for a third term in the United States Senate.

Sen. Collins’ leadership and political abilities set her apart from her peers in Washington. Always looking for opportunities to work in partnership across party lines, Sen. Collins has proven time and again that doing what is right for the people of America and Maine comes before any partisan mandate.

A tireless advocate for law enforcement in both Maine and across the country, her work has improved and enhanced the readiness of first responders in the protection of our communities and residents. Sen. Collins co-authored the act which implemented the recommendations of the 9-11 Commission and worked diligently to improve law enforcement’s ability to process vital and preventive intelligence at the state and local level.

In addition to her notable work on the Homeland Security Committee, first as chairperson and now as ranking Republican, Sen. Collins facilitated the creation of a Joint Terrorism Task Force in Maine. This is indicative of her philosophy of creating a unified effort among law enforcement at every level of government to meet the challenges of protecting our post 9-11 communities throughout Maine and America.

Sen. Collins continues to support the full restoration of funding to the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Law Enforcement Grant program after it was slashed from the Senate-approved $660 million to $170.4 million. These grants support programs at state and local levels that are designed to reduce domestic violence and drug trafficking.

She has consistently supported legislation that provides advanced equipment and training to law enforcement and Maine’s first responders. Since 2001, due in large part to her hard work, Maine has received more than $165 million to enhance our ability to prevent terrorism and respond to any major disaster. Her efforts have led to the deployment of sophisticated mobile command posts strategically located around Maine, designed to give law enforcement and first responders advanced communications and the ability to protect lives and property that was previously unavailable to us.

What does this all mean to you, our fellow residents? It means that under Susan Collins’ proactive leadership, the hardworking residents of this state receive an immeasurable return on our taxpayer investment in safety and protection services available to all.

As we move toward an uncertain future, it is crucial that all residents demand the highest levels of integrity and trust from their elected officials. As those whose task it is to protect and defend the public, the Maine Association of Police and the Maine State Troopers Association recognize the incredible work put forth by Susan Collins and the absolute imperative of allowing her to continue her efforts on behalf of the residents of Maine and the United States.

Paul Gaspar is executive director of the Maine Association of Police. Craig Poulin is executive director of the Maine State Troopers Association.