Families of fallen Arkansas law enforcement honored for Peace Officers Memorial Day

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Families of fallen Arkansas law enforcement took time to reflect Thursday as their loved ones were honored for Peace Officers Memorial Day.

As part of services held across the country, state leaders hosted the 2024 Arkansas Law Enforcement Memorial Service to remember the lives of four men who passed in the line of duty last year.

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Their names were read, a bell was rung for each hero, and flowers were added to a wreath that will stand at the memorial on state capitol grounds.

For survivors like Carla Johnson who lost her loved one, a Sebastian County Deputy, in 2013, she feels it’s important for her to be there and show her support to those grieving.

“I try and be there for them to empathize, to sometimes just be quiet, sometimes you don’t have to say anything,” Johnson said. “Just be still and just let them know that you love them and that you’re there for them. This is just unity and being there for other ones that are going through what I have already went through.”

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This year, those memorialized included Officer Vincent Parks, Corporal Jeff Hust, Detective James “Mike” Lett, and Deputy Justin Smith.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders was a keynote speaker at the event, sharing stories of those who passed and promising families the State will do everything it can to support them.

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Some families in attendance will also head up to Washington D.C. later this week for a national service at the nation’s capital.

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