SPRINGDALE — Steve Helms will be the third former police chief to hold the job of investigator for the Springdale city attorney’s office.
Helms, 54, formerly the chief of police in Rogers, will replace Truman Brewer, the former Springdale police chief. Brewer replaced Ollen Stepp, who preceded Brewer as Springdale police chief. Stepp was the first city attorney’s investigator, starting in 1993.
The streak just happened, said Jeff Harper, city attorney.
“You don’t have to be a police chief,” Harper said. “You just have to be the best fit for the job.”
The investigator serves warrants, delivers subpoenas to victims and witnesses and investigates misdemeanor crimes where more information is needed, Harper said.
Harper received 35 applicants for the job, and he said he interviewed about 30, which was every candidate that showed up for an appointment.
“We had about five or six who could have done the job,” Harper said. “The competition was keener than it’s ever been.”
Helms stood out in his resume and in the interview process, Harper said. His graduation from the FBI National Academy was a big plus, Harper said.
“He has a lot of respect in the Northwest Arkansas law enforcement community,” Harper said.
Helms spent 30 years in the Rogers Police Department, retiring in January 2009. He became police chief in 2003, Harper said.
“I knew I’d do something again,” Helms said. “I heard about the opening and applied. I didn’t know Jeff Harper but I knew about him and knew it would be a good position to have.”
Helms heard about the job from his son, Hunter Helms, a Springdale police officer. The connection with the department will serve Steve Helms well, Brewer said.
The officers know the city and can help the new investigator find people who don’t want to be in court — victims and witnesses as well, Brewer said.
“You need investigator experience,” Brewer said. “Helms has done that. I just have to show him the ropes and the rest will come naturally to him.”
Helms plans to begin work Wednesday with Brewer, who will continue working for a couple weeks.
“I’m sure I’ll have a learning curve,” Helms said. “I’m looking forward to the new challenge.”