18 Jul 2026 Beyond the badge
By KD Reep
After 30 years with the Little Rock Police Department, Chief Heath Helton retired in May from a profession that allows him to protect the community he has called home his entire life. From a young patrol officer working midnight shifts downtown to becoming the city’s chief of police, his journey reflects a steadfast commitment to service, leadership and community.
Born and raised in southwest Little Rock, Helton graduated from J.A. Fair High School in 1991 before joining the Army Reserve. Coming from a family with a long tradition of military service, he understood early the importance of serving others.
He enrolled at what is now the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Although he initially considered medical school, Helton realized his passion was helping people in a different way. “I really wanted to help people,” he said. “I wanted to serve my community.”
A college friend suggested law enforcement, and the idea would shape the next three decades of his life. Helton began his career as a patrol officer in downtown Little Rock. Early on, a lieutenant asked what he hoped to accomplish. “I told him I wanted to be chief one day,” Helton said.
Though some laughed at the ambitious goal, he never lost sight of it. Guided by mentors and long-range planning, he steadily climbed the ranks. He was promoted to sergeant in 2003, lieutenant in 2011, captain in 2015, assistant chief in 2022 and chief of police later that same year. When Helton assumed leadership of the department, he focused on rebuilding trust and strengthening connections. His vision centered on three principles represented by the acronym CPR: communication, professionalism and relationships.
As chief, he regularly attended community meetings and sought opportunities to hear directly from residents. He believed trust was built through genuine conversations and meaningful relationships. “I wasn’t there just to talk,” he said. “I wanted to hear what people had to say.”
That leadership style earned him respect throughout the department and the community. Maj. Cody Miller, who first met Helton at the police academy 18 years ago, said the retiring chief has had a lasting impact on his life and career.
“Heath Helton and I have taken many pictures together over the years in front of the LRPD backdrop, celebrating milestones throughout our careers. Today, we took our last official photo together as he prepares to retire. Thank you for 18 years of mentorship, leadership, and friendship. Congratulations on your well-earned retirement. I hope you get the opportunity to spend some well-deserved time with your family before beginning the next chapter of your professional journey. Enjoy retirement, Chief. You’ve earned it!” — Major Cody Miller
MORE WORDS OF PRAISE FOR CHIEF HELTON AND HIS SERVICE TO CENTRAL ARKANSAS:
Andre Dyer, Assistant Police Chief, Little Rock Police Department (LRPD)
Heath Helton is a giant in this game. He brought light to a place filled with blind spots. He gave realistic views and created values within the department that were lost. His leadership style was one of showing grace when needed, delivering results quickly and taking care of those who served the community members of Little Rock. He is very knowledgeable about the profession and all that it entails. Chief Helton’s presence will be missed within and outside of these walls.
Officer Anthony Withers, LRPD
Heath Helton had a very positive impact on my career. During my recruit school, he motivated us to always do our best and work together as a team. After graduation, he continued to send me training opportunities and classes that would make me a better officer. He also was responsible for facilitating my return to the training academy to teach a new group of recruits. I have had the opportunity to know him and work for him throughout my career, and it has been a blessing to do so.
Debra D. Pitts, LRPD
Chief Helton was truly a man who strived for excellence and was deeply committed to seeing the department grow and move in the right direction. His dedication to this organization was unmatched. There were times when it seemed he spent more hours serving this department than he did with his own family. His commitment, leadership, and vision will leave a lasting impact on all of us.
Officer Thomas Yelland, LRPD | Special Operations
Chief Helton was my first supervisor … and he is my mentor and a lifelong friend. I recall the first transfer with responsibility he gave me in August of 2016. [As quartermaster at the training division,] I would be responsible for spending annually about $1.5-$2 million in the uniform and equipment budget. On day three, … he told me, “… Be confident in your decision-making — I trust you.” He is a great leader and even better family friend.
He also pioneered a new LRPD Search and Rescue K9 program in 2026 that we use to find those with autism, dementia and Alzheimer’s when they wander away from their familiar surroundings.
“I met Chief Helton at the police academy, and I have admired him ever since,” Miller said. “He is an outstanding leader, and his dedication to the department is unmatched. He serves as both a mentor and friend to me, and I am extremely proud of what he has accomplished.”
While his professional accomplishments are significant, Helton is quick to credit his family for helping him succeed. His wife, Carmen, a sergeant and public information officer with the North Little Rock Police Department, has been one of his greatest supporters. The couple met through their involvement with Special Olympics Arkansas, an organization they continue to support. “Carmen is my rock in this whole thing,” Helton said. “I don’t think I would have been as successful as I was without her.”
As retirement begins, he looks forward to spending more time with family, strengthening his faith and supporting his son. He also plans to remain active in the community and continue serving others in new ways.
Looking back, Helton considers his career a blessing. “Starting out as a Little Rock police officer was the privilege of a lifetime, and having the ability to serve as chief was more than I ever expected,” he said.
Chief Heath Helton At a Glance:
Hometown: Southwest Little Rock
Family: Married to Carmen Helton, a sergeant and public information officer with the North Little Rock Police Department; father of four children.
Military Service: Army Reserve
Education: Graduate of J.A. Fair High School (1991); attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Law Enforcement Career: 30 years with the Little Rock Police Department
Career Path: Patrol Officer; Sergeant (2003); Lieutenant (2011); Captain (2015); Assistant Chief (2022); Chief of Police (2022)
Leadership Philosophy: CPR — Communication, Professionalism and Relationships
Community Involvement: Special Olympics Arkansas supporter and volunteer
Proudest Accomplishment: Serving as chief of police in the city where he was born and raised
Future plans: Spending more time with family, strengthening his faith and continuing to serve the community in new ways.
