Captain Forrest Marks, 45, of Hot Springs has been promoted to the rank of major. Marks will assume the administrative duties of Highway Patrol Division Commander for the Arkansas Western Region. The recommendation for promotion was presented to the State Police Commission today by Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police.
Over the past three years Major Marks has served as Highway Patrol Troop G interim commander headquartered at Hope and most recently as commander of Troop K, headquartered at Hot Springs.
Major Marks, a twenty-one year veteran of the department, will direct the operations within six of the twelve highway patrol troops aligned across western Arkansas.
The State Police Commission also approved the recommendations for promotion of four other State Troopers.
Lieutenant Mike Kennedy was promoted to the rank of captain. Kennedy, 42, of Benton, is a twenty-two year veteran of the department.
Captain Kennedy has devoted the past nine years of his career assigned to the department’s training section and as assistant commander of the Arkansas State Police Administrative Services Division where he will continue in that role.
Sergeant Todd Shaw was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Shaw, 44, of Melbourne, is a nineteen year veteran of the department.
Lieutenant Shaw will assume new duties as assistant commander of Highway Patrol, Troop B, headquartered at Newport.
Sergeant Ben Cross was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Cross, 46, of Dover, is a twenty year veteran of the department.
Lieutenant Cross will assume new duties as assistant commander of Highway Patrol, Troop H, headquartered at Fort Smith.
Corporal Matthew Sheley was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Sheley, 39, of Flipping, is a sixteen year veteran of the department.
Sergeant Sheley will assume new duties as a post supervisor in Jackson and Independence counties assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop B.