Arkansas State Police Troopers were honored at the 2024 Officer of the Year Awards luncheon held Dec. 12 at the Benton Events Center. The event, now in its 22nd year, celebrates outstanding law enforcement professionals from across the state, including southeast Arkansas officers.
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
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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