Porter Named Officer Of Year

PRAIRIE GROVE — Prairie Grove’s police officer for the year 2016 leads the department in felony arrests, drug arrests and driving while intoxicated arrests.

Cpl. Chris Porter received the annual award during a police department ceremony in December at Washington County Milling Co.

Other recognitions announced that evening included two promotions. School resource officer David Faulk and officer Michael Palmer were both promoted to the rank of corporal.

Faulk also was awarded the Certificate of Merit for his hard work, dedication and accomplishments during the year 2016.

Porter has 18 years of law enforcement and has been with Prairie Grove Police Department

for nine years. Previously, he worked with Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

“Overall, he ( Porter) continues to be a leader in the department with enforcements and major arrests,” said Capt. Jeff O’Brien. “He’s responsible for most drug arrests and overall keeping our streets clean and safe.”

O’Brien said Porter also has a “knack” for delving deeper into a case. After making many traffic stops, Porter conducted further investigations that led to additional charges, including narcotics arrests. Other instances include investigations from tips about people dealing drugs out of a house.

“He will take that information, investigate it and eventually make arrests,” O’Brien added.

Porter has made 250 DWI arrests since he started working for Prairie Grove on March 1, 2008. For 2016, he made 76 arrests in which he had contact with people and developed a charge, said O’Brien. This number does not include all actions during a year, such as felony drug arrests resulting from an investigation or instances where Porter assisted other offices.

In addition, Porter is certified as a Drug Recognition Expert and is certified as a DRE instructor and a field sobriety instructor.

Porter said he enjoys working for Prairie Grove because of officers in the department, the small-town atmosphere and the support from the community. “We’re an active department with the latest equipment,” Porter said.

“Overall, he (Porter) continues to be a leader in the department ...” Capt. Jeff O’Brien Prairie Grove Police Dept.

COURTESY PHOTO Cpl. Chris Porter, who was named the 2016 Officer of the Year, is congratulated by Chief Chris Workman, right, with Prairie Grove Police Department.

COURTESY PHOTO Cpl. David Faulk with Prairie Grove Police Department, left, was awarded the Certificate for Merit for his hard work, dedication and accomplishments during the year 2016. Chief Chris Workman presented the award to Faulk.