Two veteran Arkansas State Troopers with connections to Pine Bluff were promoted Thursday during a regular monthly meeting of the Arkansas State Police Commission.
Capt. Ron Stayton was promoted to the rank of major. Stayton, 57, of Pine Bluff, is a 30-year veteran of the department. Stayton is commander of the State Police Crimes Against Children Division.
Lt. David Sims, 55, of Pine Bluff, currently assistant commander of Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division, Troop E (Pine Bluff), was promoted to the rank of captain. He is a 25-year veteran of the department. Sims will assume new duties as Troop E commander.
Also promoted were: Capt. Lindsey Williams of Searcy to major; Sgt. David Cooper, 45, of Benton to lieutenant; and Cpl. Jeff Whitlock, 40, of Little Rock to sergeant.