Arkansas State Police Corporal Vic Coleman was among six law enforcement officers recognized today by Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge as Outstanding Law Enforcement Officers of the Year. Five other Arkansas State Troopers were among the nominees also vying for the top award.
Corporal Coleman, a twenty-nine year veteran State Trooper assigned to the Highway Patrol Division, Troop A, and was the recipient of the Arkansas State Police 2014 Trooper of the Year Award.
Corporal Coleman is recognized nationally among highway patrol interdiction officers for his expertise in identifying criminal suspects transporting large quantities of narcotics and other illegal substances across U.S. and state highways. His criminal patrol interdiction investigations have opened new leads in numerous federal investigations.
Corporal Coleman is also known for exhibiting exceptional human compassion by using his own financial resources to assist travelers passing through Arkansas who may not have the means to buy food or lodging or paying for a tow truck when their vehicle is disabled along the highway.
Among the State Troopers also nominated for awards were:
Trooper Brandon Bennett, assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop C.
Trooper Bennett was nominated for his role in connection with the arrest of three robbery fugitives fleeing from Missouri authorities into Arkansas.
Special Agent Larry Carter, assigned to Criminal Investigation Division, Company E.
S/A Carter was nominated his exemplary investigative work during 2014, opening twenty-six cases, closing ten and assisting other agents in seven death investigations.
Trooper (Corporal) Lindy Cartwright, assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop B.
Corporal Cartwright was nominated for her Highway Patrol activity, leading her post in crash investigations and her dedication toward supporting the Arkansas Special Olympics.
Special Agent Jason Martin, assigned to Criminal Investigation Division, Company A.
S/A Martin was nominated for his investigative work involving thefts from commercial carrier trailers parked in Crittenden and St. Francis Counties and the arrests of suspects associated with the thefts.
Trooper (Sergeant) Charles Spurlin, assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop E.
Sergeant Spurlin was nominated for his patrol skills demonstrated in the capture of a Virginia murder fugitive.