Gurdon, Bismarck LEOs among 37 new Arkansas State Troopers

From Arkansas State Police

Thirty-seven recruits became Arkansas State Troopers during a graduation ceremony held in the State Capitol rotunda on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

After being tested and interviewed, this class of new Troopers was chosen from a pool of 420 applicants. The recruits started their training program on October 13, 2024, at the State Police Training Academy in Little Rock. Over the course of the 24-week program, they engaged in a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to prepare them for the realities of serving as Arkansas State Troopers. The program included approximately 1,200 hours of specialized instruction and practical training, covering topics such as criminal law, traffic law, accident investigation, firearms training, and defensive tactics.

The graduates were sworn in under oath as Arkansas State Troopers by Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Cody Hiland. Colonel Mike Hagar, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, Major Roby Rhoads, Sergeant Nick Brown, and Corporal Keon Thompson addressed the class during the ceremony. ASP senior command staff, troop and company commanders, the training section cadre, ASP Commissioners, and ASP Foundation members were among the audience. Clint Bruce, a former NFL athlete, U.S. Navy Seal, entrepreneur, and founder of the HighgroundHQ Foundation, served as the keynote speaker.

Regional recruits, their hometown, and their first post assignments are as follows:

Troop A

Joshua Fitzgerald, Hot Springs

Jonathan Johnson, Hot Springs

Troop D

Roman Charmello, Hot Springs

Steven Plyler, Gurdon

Trrop F

Angel Ramos, Bismarck

Joshua Smeltzer, Malvern

Joshua Fitzgerald was given special recognition for high scores in Academics. Steven Plyler was given special recognition for high scores in Emergency Vehicle Operator Course.

Upon reporting for duty at their respective troop headquarters, the new Troopers will be placed with a certified departmental Field Training Officer (FTO). Each graduate will work in tandem with their respective FTO for a transitional period before being released to their assignment.