AWARDS

firefighter of the year

2025 Firefighter of the Year

Captain Joseph Perry | El Dorado Fire Department

Captain Marlee Thurlkil | El Dorado Fire Department

Excerpt from the Firefighter of the Year Nomination Letter

On February 20, 2025, the El Dorado Fire Department responded to a mutual aid call for a fire at 769 Quinn Road at approximately 7:26 pm. The Cailon Volunteer Fire Department normally covers the response area. The Cailon Volunteer Fire Department was already on scene when EFD Rescue 1 led by Captain Joseph Perry and Engine 3 led by Captain Marlee Thurlkill arrived.

After our arrival, Cailon Fire Chief James Lewis assisted EFD in connecting with a water supply. After Chief Lewis had caught the hydrant, he was walking back to the scene when he experienced a cardiac event. Chief Lewis is a well-known diabetic, and responders expected a diabetic emergency. When he collapsed bystanders and other responders on the scene directed Captain Joseph Perry to Chief Lewis. When Captain Perry found Chief Lewis, he quickly realized that it was not a diabetic emergency. He called for our jump bag and an AED and advised them to call an ambulance. Chief Lewis was not breathing and had no pulse. Captain Perry began CPR immediately. Captain Marlee Thurlkill brought Captain Perry the AED. The AED was quickly applied, and 3 shocks were given to Chief Lewis. CPR was continued. Captain Thurlkill began to assist Captain Perry. The two provided care for almost 20 minutes before EMS transport arrived. When the El Dorado Fire Department Ambulance arrived, Chief Lewis had regained a pulse and was breathing. Captain Thurlkill continued treatment for Chief Lewis as she rode in the ambulance and assisted the crew until care was transferred to South Arkansas Regional Hospital. Captain Perry resumed his duties on the fireground until the scene was under control.

This event is even more important to the community of the El Dorado Fire Department because Chief James Lewis is a full-time employee of the city, and his wife Debbie is also the El Dorado Fire Department’s Administrative Assistant. Every member of our department knows Chief Lewis well.

Chief James Lewis survived the incident with zero deficits. He has no heart damage and will make a complete recovery. He is scheduled to return to work on May 27, 2025.

If not for the quick response and action of Captain Perry and Captain Thurlkill, Chief Lewis would not have survived that day. Captain Perry and Captain Thurlkill have spent a lifetime training and planning for this event. When duty called, they were prepared and ready to act. Their actions and response saved Chief Lewis’s life. Their act of heroism enabled a man to return to his wife, children, grandchildren, his job, and his department.

2025 Firefighter of the Year

Firefighter Blake Block | Monticello Fire Department

Excerpt from the Firefighter of the Year Nomination Letter

On Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 2238 the Monticello Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at Pine Street Trailer Park. The dispatcher reported that neighbor said there were two victims possibly inside. Upon our arrival, we found a single wide mobile home on fire and it had already burnt through the east wall in the center portion of the trailer and was approximately % involved. As the initial attack began from the outside, two firefighters donned their SCBAs to make entry. One of the neighbors confirmed that the female occupant was for sure inside and she pointed to a window on the north end of the trailer and advised that she saw her inside that window. The neighbor stated that she had looked outside of her trailer and noticed a small fire burning through what appeared to be the vent for the vent-a-hood. She stated that she went over and beat on the door and that the male occupant and two children that had been sleeping on the south end of the trailer were able to get out safely. She stated that there was possibly one other child in the house with the female. As the two firefighters made entry, they were told where the female occupant was last seen. They immediately proceeded towards that end of the trailer where they found the female lying face down in the middle of the room. They rolled her to prepare to drag her back towards the door they had entered when they were told through the window that they were close to the back door that was located on the NE corner of the trailer. One of the firefighters forced open the back door and they began to drag the victim out of the trailer. Once they got her outside, they were told that there was still one child unaccounted for. When FFs went back inside FF B found a closed door right across from the rear door and when he opened it,
he found a young child lying face down on some towels. He immediately grabbed the
child up and communicated to his partner that he found him and was going out. When
FF B got outside he was met by EMS and passed the child off to them.

The child was immediately taken to the local hospital and then transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital and treated for his injuries. Successful firefighting takes a team effort and the entire team did their part that night, but the actions of one firefighter did not go unnoticed.

kevin mcmasters rookie of the year

Alexander Eugene Heard

Forrest City Fire Department | 2023 Kevin McMasters Rookie of the Year

The profession of the fire service is Department has been lucky enough to continue this Heard family tradition with the youngest member of the family, Alexander Eugene Heard. FF Heard chose to develop his fire service career here at Forrest City Fire, where his grandfather, Gene, his father, Chip, and his uncle, Sam, all served faithfully. Even his big brother, Ashton, who is currently on the job with the Memphis Fire Department may aspire to one day join FCFD! B shift’s Engine 2 Captain Justin Sharp describes FF Heard as an exemplary young firefighter, co-worker, and person. He started his firefighting/EMS career by joining the Marion Fire Department and immediately going to the Arkansas Fire Training Academy in Camden, where he completed Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, Firefighter Standards school, and Driver/Operator in the top of his class. While still in Rookie School, he applied for a full-time firefighter position at Forrest City Fire and completed the FEATS and interview one weekend while home from Camden. When I asked him if he wanted to take a few days to relax after graduation before starting his new career, Alex said “Dad, said why wait and I am ready to start!” He finished his AFTA-Camden training on a Friday and began his fire service tour on Sunday, December 18, 2022. FF Heard is an intelligent and self-driven young man that represents the Gen Z era well. He has taken it upon himself to improve his knowledge and skills by attending numerous additional courses in his short career, including core rescue technician, basic, advanced, and school bus extrication, hazardous materials technician, etc.

From his co-worker’s point of view, FF Heard is always willing to help in whatever is at hand. If someone is doing a task, he is eager to step in and help to get the job done. He never complains about performing the daily chores or undesirable firehouse duties. FF Heard’s attitude is always cheerful and contagious to others that he works alongside. His level of knowledge in the beginning stages of his firefighting career is unmatched. He is continually looking for new ideas and techniques to make the job safer and more efficient. We are thankful to have FF Alexander Heard as a member of the Forrest City Fire Department and excited to watch him grow and continuously develop into the great firefighter that he was born to be.

For these reasons, and many others we have not listed, Captain Justin Sharp and I, respectfully, submit our Forrest City Fire Department Firefighter Alexander Heard for Rookie of the Year 2023.

– Shane R. Dallas, Fire Chief

hall of fame

2025 inductee: Deputy Chief Ryan Jones

Walnut Ridge Fire Department

What does it take to be nominated into the Arkansas State Firefighter Association’s Hall of Fame? Is it for a firefighter that has dedicated years of their life for the benefit of the Arkansas Fire Service? Is it for the ones that have sacrificed years of family time and memories that can never be replaced? Or is it for the firefighter that takes on additional responsibilities when they are already so busy they don’t know how it will all get done but it does? Almost every Arkansas fire department has someone that meets these guidelines on their roster. And this banquet hall is full of firefighters that meet this description. The ASFFA Hall of Fame is made up of firefighters that see a need and go to work before being asked. They recognize a needed role in our communities, State, and Organizations and make things happen. They do not make excuses but ensure that positive results are attained. And they dedicate much of their life to the Arkansas Fire Service. For this reason, I would like to nominate one such Arkansas firefighter for the 2025 ASFFA Hall of Fame.

This firefighter began his Arkansas fire service career in 1998 as a Junior Firefighter. In 2001, he joined the neighboring fire department as a volunteer firefighter. Because of his dedication to the department, he has been promoted throughout the ranks to his current title of Deputy Chief. While raising a family, running multiple family businesses, and dedicating his time to the local community, he also became involved in the Arkansas State Firefighters Association at the local and state level. He has served several terms as different officers of the Three Rivers District, including President and Secretary/Treasurer. And he has served as various positions on the Board of the Arkansas State Firefighters Association, including Trustee and Co­Secretary/Treasurer. And he dedicated several years, as the Chairman of the Arkansas Fire Convention, to ensuring that all attendees of the Joint Arkansas Fire Chief & Firefighter’s Fire Convention had an event to attend and a pleasant experience.

This firefighter is a true example of professionalism in all that he does. He puts in the work to prepare himself and encourages others to do the same, so positive results are
achieved. He has been a true friend and resource to me and many others over the past
decades insomuch as laying the foundation for many of us to succeed while he remains
in the shadows. It should be known by younger generations that without leaders like him, his fire department, his District, our Association, and the Arkansas Fire Service would not look like it does today. Let us not forget the trials and efforts of past generations, for they had the dedication and courage to carry on when most chose the easier path.

As is the case of most great men, he has had the support of his wife of almost 23 years and his college-freshman twin daughters who have also sacrificed many family moments for the benefit of someone they will never meet. Because of so many missed precious memories that can never be replaced, there are often periods that our family’s love and support is want carries us through these hard times. And we all know that it has been his family’s love that continues to bring him through all of life’s challenges.

For these reasons and many others that are unknown to us because they were done out of righteousness and not vanity, I proudly nominate my friend and brother, past Junior Firefighter of Hoxie Fire Department, current Deputy Chief of the Walnut Ridge Fire Department, and current Co-Secretary/Treasurer of the Arkansas State Firefighters Association, Ryan Jones, into the Arkansas State Firefighter’s Association’s Hall of Fame 2025.

2024 inductee: Bill Hellard

Arkansas Fire Academy

Bill Hellard’s fire service career spanned a 45-year period. His career started in the United States Air Force where he served as a firefighter during the Vietnam War and stateside with the Strategic Air Command. He went on to work for Smyrna, Ga and Scottsbluff, NE fire departments. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern KY University.

After earning his degree, he took a position as an instructor with the Arkansas Fire Academy. He served as an instructor from 1984 until 2000. During that time, he served as a volunteer for the Camden Fire Department. In 2000, he left the academy to become Assistant Chief with the Wellington, KS fire department and began teaching for the Kansas State Fire Academy.

During his time at the Arkansas Fire Academy, Bill made a great impact on the Arkansas fire service. He served as an instructor for the National Registry of EMTs, National Fire Academy, and IFSAC site team member. Bill led the effort to bring IFSAC accreditation to the Academy. At the time, the Academy was one of only 20 entities in the world with this accreditation. This led to students from other states and countries seeking out education from the Arkansas Fire Academy. He helped develop the Fire and Emergency Response associate degree and the Arson Investigation course. Instructor Hellard’s passion was teaching rookie school. He and Instructor Nix developed a rookie school that gave firefighters the passion and knowledge needed to have successful careers in the fire service. 

Throughout his career, Bill promoted the fire service in Arkansas in many ways. He served as secretary/treasurer for the Firefighter Memorial Committee and supervised the completion of the memorial at the Academy. He received commendations for his assistance in responding to the West Helena Incident and McRae tornado cleanup. Gov. Mike Huckabee awarded him a commendation for his outstanding job as an instructor for the Fire Academy. Bill was awarded the Excellence Award for outstanding teaching from the National Institution for Staff and Organizational development.

Instructor Hellard has been instrumental in educating thousands of firefighters throughout the State. His “rookies” are now Chief Officers for many of the departments throughout the State. The lessons he taught and the dedication he brought to the job will continue to influence the fire service in Arkansas for years to come.

2024 inductee: Shane Dallas

Forrest City Fire Department

I am writing this nomination letter to nominate someone who has always been a leader in the fire service, not only at our local departments, but also with other firefighter associations. This man has always put in his best effort with anything he has done and has always committed himself to the fire service. This firefighter started his career at the Caldwell Fire Department in 1995 and eventually became Chief of this department. In 2003, he was hired by Forrest City Fire Department as a Part Paid Firefighter, in 2006 he was moved from a part paid to a full time firefighter, in 2015 he was promoted to Lieutenant, in 2018 he was promoted to Captain and the departments training officer, and in 2019 he was promoted to Fire Chief. During his time as Fire Chief, the Forrest City Fire Department made many improvements, some larger than others and some that to the general public may seem like small things, but to us in our department were large improvements. I’ll list a few of these out.

• In 2023 we received our first new fire truck since 2009.
• He replaced our ATV that was purchased over 20 years ago.
• He bought four drones and began a drone response team.
• He replaced all of the administrative and smaller response vehicles that were all nearing the 20-year mark.
• He replaced all of our SCBA on lead engines that were all nearing the 20-year mark.
• He acquired land for a future training facility.
• He restructured the ranks among the department and made all 3 shifts equally with staffing.
• He acquired funds to be able to supply each firefighter a second set of structural turnouts.
• He, in partnership with the Forrest City Junior Auxiliary, was able to purchase and install a safe haven baby box at Station 1.
• Placed iPads with Computer Aided Dispatch in all first out response vehicles.
• Moved the Forrest City Fire Department from an ISO classification 3 to an ISO classification 2.
• Incorporated a Knox Box ordinance for commercial structures in the city.
• Remodels at both stations.
• Lastly one of those “small” things, he got 3 new refrigerators, one for each shift so that we could stop fighting and arguing over food.

All of these things were done with a very small budget or with grants, bonds, or fund raisers. If there was ever a need, he always did his best to find a way to fulfill that need. Not only did he just do for our department, but if anyone or another department needed help, he would always attempt to help them in any way he could. During his time in the fire service, he held many different positions within many other organizations for  example, the Arkansas State Firefighters Association, Arkansas State Fire Chiefs Association, Arkansas Fire Services Protection Board, Arkansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial Board where he also served many years as chairman.

These are just to name a few I think this man is very deserving to be named into the Arkansas State Firefighters Hall of Fame, with that being said, I would like to nominate Forrest City Retired Fire Chief Shane Dallas to be inducted into the 2024 Arkansas State Firefighters Hall of Fame.

Forrest City Fire Department
Battalion Chief Zakk Jumper

hall of fame members

1999
Johnny Rickman | Jonesboro Fire Dept
Michael Hughes | Texarkana Fire Dept

1998
Harvey Jacks | Pine Bluff Fire Dept
James Hill | Forrest City Fire Dept

1997
Clay Whaley | Wynne Fire Dept
James Launius | Crossett Fire Dept

1996
Billy King | Blytheville Fire Dept
J.W. Cummings | Batesville Fire Dept
Joe Coker | Walnut Ridge Fire Dept

1995
Ray Jacks | Pine Bluff Fire Dept
| West Helena Fire Dept

1994
| Searcy FD
Fred Rorex | Jonesboro Fire Dept

1993
Jim Gates | Walnut Ridge Fire Dept

1992
Blanchard Cooley | New Port Fire Dept

1992
Billy R. Powell | LePanto Fire Dept

1991
Johnny Rice | Forrest City Fire Dept