Flippin Chief Spence receiving Officer of the Year from Attorney General Griffin.
Chief John Spence of the Flippin Police Department and other law enforcements officers around the state where recently recognized during the 23rd Annual Officer of the Award Banquet provided by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin.
During the event, held on December 11, Chief Spence who was awarded as the 2025 County Officer of the Year for Marion County. In his nomination letter Mayor Heath Hogan stated, “Chief Spence does not demand accolades or publicity; he does what he does because of the fulfillment and responsibility of his calling. Any department would benefit from the leadership of Chief John Spence, and the Flippin Police Department is a better department today because of his leadership.”
Chief Spence says the recognition would not have been possible without the whole team at the police department in Flippin.
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For the chief who was born, raised and has spent his career in law enforcement in Marion County, the honor is serving the community he calls home.
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The banquet in Little Rock honored officers from counties around the state. Local officers named in their respective counties for the year include:
Baxter County: Special Agent Aaron Middleton, Arkansas State Police
Boone County: Officer Josiah Smith, Harrison Police Department
Marion County: Chief John Spence, Flippin Police Department
Izard County: Special Agent Drew Widner, Arkansas State Police
Newton County: Senior Special Agent Becky Vacco, Arkansas State Police
Searcy County: Special Agent Paul Robson, Arkansas State Police
Stone County: Reserve Officer John Morrow, Mountain View Police Department
In speaking at the event Attorney General Griffin stated, “The men and women we honored today are true heroes, and it is my distinct honor to recognize them for their outstanding service to their communities. These officers have distinguished themselves in the past year for their excellence and dedication. But this event isn’t just a celebration of their accomplishments, it’s also a celebration of all law enforcement officers and a way for us to say thank you to those who keep us safe each and every day.”
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