Arkansas State Police honor fallen troopers in memorial service
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- A memorial service was held Tuesday to honor the 21 brave Arkansas State Troopers and two K9s who paid the ultimate price in sacrifice during their service to the state of Arkansas since 1948.
“I am especially honored to welcome home the families of our fallen troopers this is an event that you never wanted to attend and certainly not under these circumstances,” Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar said.
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Many fellow troopers and families of the fallen heroes gathered at the memorial service to pay their respects and to commemorate their loved ones.
“It means everything,” Linda Craig said. “It means that we have not forgotten about these officers.”
Linda Craig honored her late husband, Captain Tom Craig, at the memorial. He was killed in the line of duty on December 14, 2000, while assisting in an accident.
“It was a total shock because I knew that as a law enforcement officer, his life was in danger, but like most people, I thought it wasn’t going to happen to him,” Linda Craig said.
She said she still remembers the day as if it were yesterday.
“I saw the director, the assistant director, and the commander from Troop A on my doorstep, and I knew what they were about to tell me,” Craig said.
The memorial helps to make sure her husband is never forgotten.
“To a survivor, to know that the department still cares and still remembers after 23 years is big,” Craig said.
Tom Craig and many other fallen troopers were recognized, and the families received a rose in their honor.
“The words thank you are simply not strong enough for the sacrifices you have made on our behalf, you shared your family members with us, and their sacrifices became yours,” Hagar said.
He explained that the day their loved one took the badge was the day they gained an extended family.
“To the families here today you allowed your loved ones to follow their dreams and answer their calling,” Hagar said. “They subjected themselves to the worst that this life has to offer, as a result you also took on that burden, you were their support system and now we will be yours.”
Hagar told each family member that they are not alone and that the Arkansas State Police is here for them every step of the way.
“If God decides that my death is to be earlier than I may choose, I hope I am able to give my life in the line of duty,” Hagar said. “I can’t think of a more honorable way to pass from this life and face my judgment.”
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At the Arkansas State Police Headquarters is the Hall of Honor, where the stories of each fallen trooper and K9 are displayed.
A full list of the troopers who were honored can be found at DPS.Arkansas.gov.
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