The Arkansas State Police Commission approved the recommendations of Police Director Colonel Bill Bryant on Thursday to promote six veteran state troopers, including one as the new commander of Troop L.
Troop L is part of the state police department's Highway Patrol Division and covers Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties.
Lt. David Cooper, 47, of Hot Spring County, was promoted to captain and appointed as troop commander based in Springdale.
The promotions happened during a regular monthly commission meeting.
Cooper is a 23-year veteran of the department and will be leaving his assignment as assistant troop commander within Highway Patrol Division, Troop K.
Troop K Capt. Ron Casey said, "He is going to do a great job; there's no doubt. I hate to lose him, but I'm proud for him."
Capt. Lance King was the previous commander of Troop L and retired in December after 30 years with the agency. He was commissioned Sept. 21, 1987, and promoted to captain Dec. 14, 2007.
Bill Sadler, a spokesman for the State Police, said King was responsible for supervising 45 people.
Sadler said other cammanders have been overseeing Troop L in the interim.
NW News on 03/16/2018