The Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training sees firsthand the dedication of Arkansas Law Enforcement serving this great state each and every day.
Occasionally, a law enforcement officer’s actions go above and beyond their job requirements. Sometimes, an officer becomes involved in a situation that tests their training, their resolve, and their spirit. It’s in these times that others see what it means to have an unconquerable spirit. To recognize these officers, the Division has created the Invictus Award.
NOMINATIONS
To nominate an officer or deputy for the Invictus Award, please email [email protected] with a description of their actions. Once received, the nomination will be reviewed by a committee comprised of the following:
• Chris Chapmond, CLEST Director
• Colonel Mike Hagar, Arkansas State Police Director
• Chief Gary Sipes Executive Director of the Arkansas Chiefs Association
• Retired Sheriff Scott Bradley, Executive Director of the Arkansas Sheriffs Association
If selected, the officer/deputy will receive a plaque and medal provided by the Division and recognized with a formal ceremony.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Sgt. Heath Edens
Union County Sheriff’s Office
January 14, 2026
The Arkansas Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training proudly presented the Invictus Award to Sergeant Christopher Heath Edens of the Union County Sheriff’s Office for extraordinary bravery and selfless service above and beyond the call of duty.
On September 21, 2025, Sgt. Edens responded to a vehicle crash where the car was fully engulfed in flames and occupants were trapped inside. Without hesitation, he fought through intense heat and fire to rescue a trapped female occupant, breaking a window and pulling her to safety—despite suffering serious burns when burning debris struck him and ignited his uniform.
After being treated for second- and third-degree burns, Sgt. Edens returned to duty the very next day to continue serving his community. His courage, determination, and unwavering commitment reflect the highest ideals of law enforcement.
Sheriff Shane Russell, Lt. Bryce Trivitt, Sgt. Lane King, and Deputy Creston Duncan
Sharp County Sheriff’s Office, Hardy Police Department, Hardy Fire Department
October 13, 2025
During the devastating April 5 flooding of the Spring River — one of the largest in Sharp County history — first responders from the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office, Hardy Police Department, and Hardy Fire Department answered the call for a life-saving rescue amid rapidly rising waters.
For their extraordinary courage and selfless actions, Sheriff Shane Russell, Lt. Bryce Trivitt, Sgt. Lane King, and Deputy Creston Duncan have been honored with the Invictus Award by the Arkansas Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
Their bravery, teamwork, and determination ensured that no lives were lost that night — a true reflection of the strength and sacrifice of Arkansas’s first responders.
Deputy John Wright
Garland County Sheriff’s Office
September 8, 2025
Congratulations to Garland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy John Wright, who has been honored with the Invictus Award by the Arkansas Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
On August 12, 2025, Deputy Wright demonstrated extraordinary courage when he rescued a driver from a burning vehicle seconds before it became fully engulfed in flames.
His quick action and selfless bravery undoubtedly saved a life.
Lieutenant Brandon McCaslin and Deputy Jacob Mar
Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office
July 15, 2025
Arkansas Division on Law Enforcement Standards and training presented an Invictus Award to Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Brandon McCaslin and Deputy Jacob Mar for displayed extraordinary courage when they fought off an armed inmate who had just stabbed another inmate and attempted to harm or fatally wound them as well. Their quick actions, bravery under attack, and unwavering committment to protect others prevented further tragedy.
Deputy Nathan Lane
Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office
May 9, 2025
Arkansas Division on Law Enforcement Standards and training presented an Invictus Award to Ouachita County Deputy Nathan Lane for demonstrating courage and compassion in the face of danger during the recent flooding in Ouachita County.
On April 8, 2025, after torrential rainfall forced evacuations, Deputy Lane and a part-time deputy responded to a residence surrounded by rising floodwaters. With one resident being a dialysis patient unable to leave, Deputy Lane removed his gear, waded through four feet of water, and carried the individual to safety using a fireman’s carry.
Thanks to his quick action and dedication, both residents were safely evacuated.
Deputy Fred Phillips
Clark County Sheriff’s Office
December 9, 2024
Arkansas Division on Law Enforcement Standards and Training presented an Invictus Award to Clark County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Fred Phillips for his selfless act of bravery by positioning his patrol car in the path of a semi-truck and trailer driving the wrong way on the interstate before causing injury or harm to other vehicles on the roadway.
Officer Joshua Isom and Officer Michael Peery
Bryant Police Department
November 19, 2024
Arkansas Division on Law Enforcement Standards and Training Director Chris Chapmond, Deputy Director Eric Wacaster and Deputy Director Jason Lawrence presented Invictus Awards on November 19, 2024, to Bryant Police Officers Michael Peery and Joshua Isom in recognition for their outstanding bravery during two incidents while on duty.
On January 13, 2024, Officer Peery responded to assist the Benton Police Department with an active vehicle pursuit. The suspect vehicle crashed during the Benton PD pursuit and upon Officer Peery’s arrival to the scene, the car erupted into flames with the suspect inside and unconscious. Officer Peery used his baton to break the window. When the door still would not open, Officer Peery used the window frame to pull the door open enough to remove the driver and move him a safe distance from the burning vehicle.
On July 10, 2024, Officer Isom responded with other officers to a call during a violent altercation involving a woman and three children who were abducted from Rison in an earlier incident. The injured mother escaped with an infant. Officer Isom kicked the door open, detaining the suspect, and recovered the other two children.
Sheriff Mike Knoedl, Deputy Tim Wolford and Deputy Wesley Hogan
Dallas County Sheriff’s Office
Chief Chad Hubanks, Officer Neil Brasse, Officer James Johnson and
Officer Steven Murray
Fordyce Police Department
November 11, 2024
On Monday, November 11, 2024, Division on Law Enforcement Standards and Training Director Chris Chapmond, Deputy Director Eric Wacaster, and Deputy Director Jason Lawrence presented the following members of the Fordyce Police Department (FPD) and Dallas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) with Invictus Awards:
• DCSO Sheriff Mike Knoedl
• DCSO Deputy Tim Wolford
• DCSO Deputy Wesley Hogan,
• FPD Chief Chad Hubanks
• FPD Officer Neil Brasse
• FPD Officer James Johnson
• FPD Officer Steven Murray
The men were honored for their outstanding bravery and heroic actions during the mass shooting that occurred at Fordyce’s Mad Butcher grocery store on June 21, 2024.
“Their courageous efforts undoubtedly saved lives and prevented further tragedy in their community,” said Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Scott Bradley.
Lieutenant Jay-Ryan Woods
Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office
October 14, 2024
On Monday, October 14, 2024, the Division on Law Enforcement Standards and Training presented Poinsett County Sheriff’s Lt. Jay-Ryan Woods with the Invictus Award during the Poinsett County Quorum Court meeting.
Lt. Woods was honored for his heroic actions during a September 2023 pursuit, which ended in an exchange of gunfire with an Alabama man wanted for murder. The suspect was shot in the leg during the exchange, and Lt. Woods promptly rendered medical aid. Lt. Woods demonstrated unwavering courage, selflessness, and resolve while under fire and extreme pressure.
Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office is the second agency to receive the award.
Division Director Chris Chapmond, Division Deputy Director Eric Wacaster, DPS Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar, Sheriff Kevin Molder and Arkansas Rep. Dwight Tosh attended the award presentation.
Officer Nicolas Cato and Officer Alex Lee
Hot Springs Police Department
September 17, 2024
Officers Nicolas Cato and Alex Lee of the Hot Springs Police Department were recognized as the inaugural recipients of CLEST’s Invictus Award at a ceremony held during a meeting of the Hot Springs City Council on September 17.
The officers were presented with the award for their courageous actions on March 11, 2024, following a traffic stop when the suspect pulled a handgun and began firing at them upon exiting his vehicle. Officer Cato was struck and sustained a serious injury; at which time the suspect began firing at Officer Lee. During an attempt to get back in his vehicle, presumably to flee apprehension, both officers were able to return fire, striking the suspect.
CLEST Director Chris Chapmond stated, “These two young men are true warriors and are examples for others in our profession. Their bravery in the face of danger should be inspiring to all. The Invictus Award represents an unconquerable attitude and spirit. It is a privilege for our division to have the opportunity to recognize the men and women of this state who are willing to stand between our citizens and evil.”
