FORT SMITH -- The Fort Smith Police Department announced on Tuesday that five of its officers had been promoted to the rank of captain and lieutenant.
The promotions include the first Black captain in 35 years.
Capts. Anthony Parkinson and Wendall Sampson were selected after a "rigorous promotional testing process" on Dec. 8, according to a news release. They began their new assignments in criminal investigations and patrol operations, respectively, on Dec. 14. Lts. Steven Creek, Dillon Harris and Lee McCabe were also selected and will begin their new assignments in patrol on Monday.
Throughout his tenure as Fort Smith police chief, Danny Baker said in the release that the two captain positions had remained vacant.
"Despite the additional workload and responsibility this has placed on others, I believed it vitally important to make sure we had the right leaders in place," Baker said. "I am confident that we have found just those leaders with these promotions. Not only did they outperform their peers in the assessment process, but they have also consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and solid support of our vision."
Baker said it was a "distinct privilege" to promote Sampson as the first Black captain at the police department since 1985.
"It is my understanding that Captain Sampson will be only the second to attain this rank in FSPD's history," Baker said. "He truly is an inspiration to me and many others. I look forward to his continued contributions to the department and our community."