A former member of the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office and the Mountain Home and Lakeview police departments has been selected to take the reigns of the Arkansas State Parks law enforcement arm.Arkansas native Ed Thomas has been promoted to the ASP’s emergency services manager. Thomas has been with the parks system since 2010. Before that, he worked in law enforcement in Baxter County and for the Department of State.Parks Deputy Director Shea Lewis says, “Ed is a real asset to our team. He has years of boots on the ground experience both in Arkansas and the middle east. His strong leadership skills make him the perfect fit for this very important job.”
The emergency services manager oversees law enforcement in all 52 state parks. Also, this division coordinates continuous training for park staff.
Thomas says, “My love for parks began by being a visitor to Bull Shoals-White River State Park, the beauty of the park and river and the friendliness of the staff excited me about Arkansas State Parks. Ive had many opportunities in my career, but I am humbled and blessed to be here.”
Thomas has 31 years’ experience in the field of public safety, emergency services and law enforcement. In addition to his service in Baxter County, he worked three years as an international police officer in Iraq, for the Department of State.
His career path with Arkansas State Parks began 10 years ago at Bull Shoals-White River State Park. Soon he was promoted to assistant superintendent at that park and then filled the same role at Ozark Folk Center State Park.
In addition, he is a law enforcement instructor for the department and has a wealth of specialized training and knowledge that will benefit the emergency services section of Arkansas State Parks.
Thomas was born and raised in Northwest Arkansas. He is married to his wife, Tammy, of 34 years. They have two sons, Josh and Jared, as well as three grandchildren.
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