31 Dec 2021 Couple of the Month: Heath and Carmen Helton
HIS STORY:
Where did you grow up:Little Rock.
Education:Master of Science in criminal justice with emphasis on public Administration from Liberty University; Bachelor of Science in leadership from Central Baptist College.
Job Title: Major/ Little Rock Police Department.
Parents: Ron and Linda Helton of Benton.
Hobbies/special interests: Reading, traveling, cooking/grilling, and spending time with my family.
How would you describe yourself: A blessed and compassionate husband, father, son, and sibling. I have a servant’s heart and care deeply about my family as well as the community. I love a good challenge and remain calm under pressure. A proud law enforcement professional.
What is one thing people don’t know about you: I enjoy sitting on the beach with my wife and admiring all of God’s creation.
What is your motto: Aspire to make a difference!
What do you enjoy most about living in the 501:I’ve been in the 501 my entire life. It’s a community that’s grown so much over the last three decades. My friends and family are here, and the community itself is small enough that you almost always see someone you know. I look forward to seeing what the future will hold for the 501 because I think it’s going to be bright.
HER STORY:
Where did you grow up: Chicago and Houston.
Education: Bachelor of Science in health education with a minor in history, UALR.
Job title:Sergeant—public information officer/North Little Rock Police Department.
Parents: Father is Alphonso Armstead of Chicago; Mother is Debbie Sheffield-Drake of Missouri City, Texas.
Community activities: Volunteer with Special Olympics Arkansas and the Law Enforcement Torch Run; I am a commissioner with the Arkansas Martin Luther King Commission.
Hobbies/special interests: Traveling, watching my kids grow and accomplish their goals, enjoying a good movie with my husband, and spending time with family.
How would you describe yourself: Caring and compassionate, especially when it comes to family and friends. I’m a fun-loving person that enjoys a good laugh.
What is one thing people don’t know about you: I love ’80s & ’90s movies, television shows and music.
What is your motto: Treat others how you would want to be treated.
What do you enjoy most about living in the 501: It’s not like the bigger cities that I grew up in. I came to the 501 as a Division 1 athlete, recruited by UALR and given a full scholarship to play volleyball. I’ve seen the 501 grow over the last several years. There are a lot of new businesses and plenty of outdoor activities for families to enjoy. The community is wonderful and I’m honored to have made so many friends in the 501.
Their STORY:
how we met: We met while participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in May 2009. We were running the Flame of Hope from Little Rock to Searcy for the opening ceremonies. We had just run through the City of Austin, Arkansas, and the group was finishing a leg of the run. Heath extended his hand to help me up after sitting down to rest. We struck up a conversation as we continued to Harding University. I remember him telling me after the ceremony that he’d take me to lunch one day. We went on a date a week later.
The proposal: Occurred at Capers in Little Rock. It was totally unexpected and Carmen thought it was a joke at first.
Wedding bells: Feb. 21, 2010; Crystal Beach, Destin, Florida
Children: Alexis, 21; Caleb, 18; Haylie, 17; and Mason, 9.
Pets: Chewie, a mini Bernedoodle.
The new North Little Rock Justice Center held a ribbon cutting on Dec. 9. The 82,000 sq. ft. facility will allow all of the existing police buildings to be housed under one roof. The facility will also be home to the North Little Rock District Courts, the North Little Rock Information Technology Department and a 5,000 sq. ft. public meeting room.
“Though neither of us had a part in planning the new Justice Building, I am very excited about working there. The North Little Rock Justice Center symbolizes the excellence and growth of the city, as well as the professionalism of the men and women who work for the NLR Police Department. It’s designed for the community.
“The new facility allows for various units in the police department and courts/prosecutors to come together under one roof, which will improve our efficiency and effectiveness. Everything about this building is meant to draw the police department together as well as our community. All our new community rooms were built with NLR citizens in mind. We hope our neighborhood associations will utilize these rooms for meetings. Additionally, the police department will host community events that will continue to strengthen our relationships with the community.”
– Carmen Helton
