Attorney General Tim Griffin honored law enforcement officers from across Arkansas at the 2025 Officer of the Year Awards luncheon. At the conclusion of the event, Griffin issued the following statement:
“The men and women we honored today are true heroes, and it is my distinct honor to recognize them for their outstanding service to their communities. These officers have distinguished themselves in the past year for their excellence and dedication. But this event isn’t just a celebration of their accomplishments, it’s also a celebration of all law enforcement officers and a way for us to say thank you to those who keep us safe each and every day.
“The 2025 state Officer of the Year is Arkansas State Police Trooper Hunter Grubbs. Trooper Grubbs has distinguished himself in the past year, securing 67 felony arrests, 94 misdemeanor arrests, 115 warrants served, nine DWI arrests, six vehicle pursuits, assistance to 211 stalled motorists, 60 vehicle accident investigations, recovery of two stolen vehicles, and 111 hours assisting other agencies. Trooper Grubbs was described by his superiors as exemplifying ‘the highest ideals of the Arkansas State Police—courage, professionalism, and service.’
“I congratulate all those honored today and the countless others who put their lives on the line so that Arkansans can live in peace and safety.”
Officer of the Year awards were given to officers from each of the state’s counties, five regional winners, one recipient of the Dwayne Yarbrough Distinguished Service Award, one valor tribute (for an officer who died in the line of duty), and one statewide Officer of the Year. This year’s honorees are:
Statewide Officer of the Year
Trooper Hunter Grubbs, Arkansas State Police
Northeast Region: Corporal Chris Barnett, Corporal Dustin Carpenter, Corporal Marcus Simpson, Arkansas State Police
Southeast Region: Officer Kevin Robbins, Star City Police Department
Southwest Region: Trooper Hunter Grubbs, Arkansas State Police
Central Region: Special Agent Dustin Thompson, Arkansas State Police
Northwest Region: Corporal Dylan Gresham, Officer Drew Walker, Eureka Springs Police Department
Valor Tribute: Sergeant Fredrick T. Coleman Sr., Arkansas Department of Corrections
Dwayne Yarbrough Distinguished Service Award: School Resource Officer Ray Borel (retired), Lakeside School District and Hot Springs Police Department
Area County Officers of the Year:
Clark County: Trooper Sean Weston, Arkansas State Police
Hempstead County: Corporal Charlie Featherston, Hope Police Department
Howard County: Trooper Micah Brown, Arkansas State Police
Little River County: Chief Boyd Kennemore, Ashdown Police Department
Logan County: Trooper First Class Skyler McElroy, Arkansas State Police
Montgomery County: Deputy Michael Wojcuilewicz, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
Nevada County: Corporal Christina Bussey, Arkansas State Police
Pike County: Special Agent Christopher Harper, Arkansas State Police
Sevier County: Chief Scott Simmons, De Queen Police Department
