February 25, 2026

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) is proud to honor CDL Examiner Dempsie Coffman for reaching 50 years of service with the agency. Agency records show that Coffman is likely the longest-serving employee in ASP’s 90-year history.

Coffman began his employment with ASP on October 7, 1973, when he was hired as a Trooper. In 1979, he was named ASP Trooper of the Year, showing his dedication and strong performance early on. Over time, he served in five of the department’s 12 troops and moved up the ranks, retiring in April 2004 as Lieutenant Coffman, Assistant Commander of Troop J.

Later that year, Coffman came back to the agency as a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) examiner. After serving in that position for 17 years, he retired again to take care of family health issues, putting his loved ones first.

In October 2023, Coffman was asked if he would return to ASP as a CDL examiner. He agreed, showing once again his strong commitment to public service.

“This year marks an extraordinary 50 years of service for Lieutenant (Ret.) and CDL Examiner Dempsie Coffman,” said Col. Mike Hagar, Director of the Arkansas State Police. “His loyalty, professionalism, and dedication to the mission of the Arkansas State Police has set a standard that few will ever match.”

Coffman is very proud of his career with ASP, but he is just as devoted to his family. He and his wife, Diane, have been married for 57 years and have two sons, Chad and Rusty. Several family members joined him at a recent event where Coffman was surprised and officially honored for his 50 years of service.

ASP sincerely thanks CDL Examiner Dempsie Coffman for his five decades of outstanding service to the State of Arkansas and its people.