December 13, 2024
BENTON, Ark. — Arkansas State Police Troopers were honored at the 2024 Officer of the Year Awards luncheon held yesterday at the Benton Events Center. The event, now in its 22nd year, celebrates outstanding law enforcement professionals from across the state.

ASP Corporal Marcus Simpson was named Northeast Regional Officer of the Year, and Trooper First Class Austin Duncan was honored as the Central Regional Officer of the Year.

The ceremony, hosted by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, also recognized 31  Troopers from 29 counties with county-level Law Enforcement Officer of the Year awards. This annual event highlights the dedication and exceptional service of Arkansas' law enforcement officers in safeguarding their communities.

Troopers who received County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year:

Bradley County
Trooper First Class TreVaughn Moore

Chicot County
Trooper David Menotti Jr.

Clay County
Trooper Christian Underwood

Columbia County
Trooper Justin Cherry

Craighead County
Special Agent Heath Gurley

Crittenden County
Trooper Dairren Evans
Trooper Dylan Evans
Corporal Billy Martin

Cross County
Trooper First Class Kristopher McCrea

Dallas County
Trooper Jimmy Plyler Jr.

Franklin County
Trooper Dalton Lewis

Fulton County
Sergeant Justin Nowlin

Garland County
Trooper Justin Parker

Hempstead County
Trooper First Class Trevor Dew

Jackson County  |  NORTHEAST REGION WINNER
Corporal Marcus Simpson

Jefferson County
Trooper James Harrell

Lee County
Special Agent James Collins

Little River County
Trooper First Class Ian Nelson

Logan County 
Corporal Jed Bolyard

Lonoke County
Trooper Ana Escamilla

Monroe County
Trooper Gavin Taylor

Phillips County
Trooper Dairren Evans

Prairie County
Trooper Rand Lace

Pulaski County
Special Agent Travis May

St. Francis County
Trooper Blake Irvin

Saline County  |  CENTRAL REGION WINNER
Trooper First Class Austin Duncan

Scott County
Trooper Justin Shackleford

Sebastian County
Trooper Tucker Phelps

Stone County
Special Agent Drew Widner

Van Buren County
Special Agent Kevin Brown

Washington County
Special Agent Heath Gurley