Arkansas State Police honor fallen soldiers at memorial service

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A memorial service was held Tuesday to honor the 21 brave Arkansas State Troopers and two K9s who paid the ultimate price in sacrifice while serving the state of Arkansas since 1948.

“It is a special honor to welcome the families of our fallen soldiers home. This is an event you never wanted to be a part of, especially under these circumstances,” said Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar.

Many comrades and families of the fallen heroes gathered for the memorial service to pay their respects and remember their loved ones.

“It means everything,” Linda Craig said. “It means we haven’t forgotten these officers.”

Linda Craig honored her late husband, Captain Tom Craig, at the memorial service. He died in the line of duty on December 14, 2000 while assisting in an accident.

“It was a total shock because I knew his life was in danger as a police officer, but like most people I thought it wouldn’t happen to him,” Linda Craig said.

She said she still remembers the day like it was yesterday.

“I saw the director, deputy director and commander of Troop A on my doorstep and knew what they were going to tell me,” Craig said.

The memorial helps ensure that her husband will never be forgotten.

“It’s important for a survivor to know that even after 23 years, the department still cares and remembers them,” Craig said.

Tom Craig and many other fallen soldiers were honored and the families received a rose in their honor.

“The words “thank you” are simply not strong enough for the sacrifices you have made for us. You shared your family members with us and their sacrifices became yours,” Hagar said.

He explained that the day their loved one received the badge was the day they got an extended family.

“To the families here today: you have made it possible for your loved ones to follow their dreams and pursue their calling,” Hagar said. “You have exposed yourself to the worst this life has to offer. In doing so, you also took on this burden, you were her support system and now we will be yours.”

Hagar told each family member that they were not alone and that the Arkansas State Police were there for them every step of the way.

“If God decides that my death should come sooner than I would like, I hope that I can give my life in the line of duty,” Hagar said. “I cannot imagine a more honorable way to leave this life and face my judgment.”

The Arkansas State Police Headquarters is home to the Hall of Honor, which displays the stories of all fallen soldiers and K9s.

For a complete list of Soldiers honored, see DPS.Arkansas.gov.