AWARDS
firefighter of the year
2026 Firefighter of the Year
Blake Cupples | Brookland Fire Protection
Brookland Fire Protection
P.O. Box 396
Brookland, AR 72417
wayne@brooklandfd.com
I am writing to formally nominate Lieutenant Blake Cupples for consideration as Firefighter of the Year. Lieutenant Cupples’ actions at a recent motor-vehicle collision on Highway 49 demonstrated exceptional leadership, decisive emergency medical care, and a true commitment to public safety.
On November 11″h, 2025, most of the Brookland Fire Protection members were out of town attending a NEA District meeting in Paragould. Despite limited staffing, Lieutenant Cupples responded to Station 1 and got Engine 1 enroute and arrived on scene to find a 2-vehicle accident. Engine 2 arrived shortly thereafter, and crews immediately initiated extrication. The collision involved a pickup truck and a small passenger car, the pickup truck occupants sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while the smaller passenger car contained two adult males with critical injuries. The driver appeared to be unconscious, and the passenger was exhibiting agonal respirations. Ambulance response was delayed, increasing the urgency of on-scene care.
As the only paramedic on scene at that time, Lieutenant Cupples assumed responsibility for patient care without hesitation. Recognizing that life-saving treatment could not proceed until the driver was removed, he provided clear directions to other members performing extrication and ensured the driver was rapidly and safely freed. He then assigned the driver’s care to a first responder, as additional responders arrived. He then transferred extrication duties so he could focus on the passenger’s immediate needs.
During treatment of the passenger, Lieutenant Cupples identified a compromised airway. Without access to full paramedic equipment, he employed sound clinical judgment and manual techniques to establish and maintain a patent airway. After several attempts, he successfully opened the airway by manipulating the patient’s upper torso and maintained airway control throughout the remaining extrication. Once removal was complete, he assisted in maneuvering the patient from the vehicle while continuously protecting the airway until an ambulance arrived approximately five minutes later. He then provided a concise handoff to arriving EMS personnel and continued to support patient care, ultimately accompanying the patient during transport.
Lieutenant Cupples calm leadership, effective delegation, and advanced medical intervention under difficult circumstances directly contributed to the survival of both critically injured occupants. In addition to this incident, Lieutenant Cupples consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to mentorship. He takes pride in guiding younger firefighters, coming up through the ranks with the experiences that he has encountered as a career firefighter, in helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to achieve their goals in the fire service.
For these reasons, I respectfully submit Lieutenant Blake Cupples as an outstanding candidate for Firefighter of the Year. Please feel free to contact me if additional information is needed.
Sincerely,
Chief Wayne Reece
kevin mcmasters rookie of the year
Left: Manilla Fire Chief Sonny Ray Dill, Manilla FF Casey Henry
L to R: ASFFA VP Jeff Jones, ASFFA President Bo Higginbotham, Manilla FF Casey Henry, Manilla Fire Chief Sonny Ray Dill
Casey Henry
Manila Fire Department | ASFFA 2026 Kevin McMaster’s Rookie of the Year
Firefighter Casey Henry joined the Manila Fire Department in October 2024 and has quickly demonstrated exceptional commitment to the fire service, his fellow firefighters, and the community he serves.
In his first year, Firefighter Henry has gone well beyond the minimum expectations of a rookie firefighter. He is currently enrolled in EMT school and is also completing Firefighter I and Firefighter II, after already completing Intro to Fire, PPE, Wildland, EMR, Basic Auto Extraction, and Advanced Auto Extraction courses. He has also participated in multiple live-fire training classes through Saddle Up Fire Company. Outside the department, Casey serves on the Emergency Response Team at Nucor Yamato Steel as a First Responder , High Angle Rescue technician, and Confined Space responder.
Casey consistently shows dedication to his fellow firefighters. He is often the first to arrive at the station, takes initiative in completing station duties, and never hesitates to step in and assist others. He leads by example, always going above and beyond what is asked of him, fully embodying our department’s motto: “One Team. One Fight. For Them.”
His service extends into the community through volunteer efforts such as delivering Christmas food baskets, assisting with our annual Backpack Hero food drive for local schools, and served on the medical team for the Northeast Arkansas Special Olympics.
Though still early in his fire service career, Casey has already responded to multiple structure fires and motor vehicle accidents. His prior service in the U.S. Army, including two combat tours in Afghanistan, further reflects his courage, pride, and integrity—qualities that make him highly deserving of ASFFA Rookie of the Year.
hall of fame
2026 ASFFA Firefighter Hall of Fame Inductee:
Leroy Bo Higginbotham
Crossett Fire Department
Although not the prettiest, the undeniable face of the Arkansas State Firefighter’s Association over the last decade has been my nominee for the 2026 Hall of Fame. During his tenure as President of the AFFA, he has represented the membership with professionalism and unwavering dedication at hundreds of meetings, whether at the State Capitol, the Legislature, district gatherings, or individual fire stations. He has also been a steadfast friend and mentor to me-almost Dad-like.
His fire service career began in 1995 with the Dermott Fire Department, where he earned his EMT and Paramedic certifications and was honored with Dermott’s distinguished “Man of the Year” award. In 2002, he joined the Crossett Fire Department as a Firefighter/Paramedic. During this time, he became an adjunct instructor with the Arkansas Fire Training Academy and led departmental training in fire operations, rope rescue, and EMS. It was also during these years that he became deeply involved with the Arkansas State Firefighter’s Association-attending State Fire Conventions, serving as Southeast District President, being appointed to the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board, and joining the Arkansas Fire Convention Planning Committee.
In 2015, he was selected to lead the Crossett Fire Department as Fire Chief. While serving his community by increasing staffing and strong-arming a million-dollar aerial truck from Georgia-Pacific at no cost to the citizens of Crossett, he simultaneously continued to up his state-level service. His roles included AFFA State Vice President and later President, Chairman of the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board, Chairman of the Arkansas Fire Convention Board, and Southwest District State Vice President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Throughout this time, he championed numerous ettorts to improve the Arkansas Fire Service, including increased funding for the Arkansas Fire Training Academy, revitalization of local AFFA district activity and statewide membership growth, construction of new dormitory housing at AFTA, protection of Act 833 funds, and the prevention of various legislative and regulatory threats to Arkansas firefighters before they could take root.
He has demonstrated what can be accomplished through true dedication and a willingness to serve. With his lovely wife doing most of the work – let’s be honest – they have dedicated thousands of hours each year for over a decade to ensure that the Arkansas Fire Convention remains top-notch, affordable, and serves the needs of both vendors and attendees. It is remarkable to think that one small moment in our lives can open the door to so much in the future. If not for trying to pet that tiger, the Arkansas Fire Service may not have been blessed with the leadership and service of my nominee.
For these reasons, and with great admiration, I proudly nominate Retired Crossett Fire Chief Leroy “Bo” Higginbotham IV for induction into the Arkansas State Firefighter’s Association Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.
Sincerely,
Shane R. Dallas
Retired Fire Chief
Forrest City Fire Department
2026 ASFFA Firefighter Hall of Fame Inductee:
Jeff Jones
It is both an honor and a genuine pleasure to submit this nomination for the Arkansas State Firefighters’ Association Hall of Fame. I am proud to recommend not only a distinguished fire service professional, but also one of my influential mentors.
This individual has spent a career doing what the best in the fire service do: making everyone around him better. He has trained, guided, and occasionally “corrected” countless firefighters and first responders, shaping them into stronger leaders and more capable professionals.
His fire service career began in 1989, I believe I was in the seventh grade, with the Highway 58 Fire Department in East Tennessee. At this point he would say “Go Vols.” He rose through the ranks from firefighter to lieutenant to station captain, all while becoming the department’s first extrication instructor and later its training coordinator. Even early on, it was clear that teaching others would become one of his defining strengths.
In 1995, he joined the West Memphis Fire Department, where he continued to build an exceptional career. He earned his paramedic license and distinguished himself through both courage and resilience. During one incident, he was involved in the rescue of four small children from an apartment fire and at another incident he fell and was seriously injured in the line of duty. After his stay at The Med receiving pins and rods and months of recovery, he returned to serve-demonstrating the same determination he has since instilled in others.
He steadily advanced through the ranks at West Memphis, becoming known for his expertise in hazardous materials, EMS, and specialized rescue training. In 2012, he was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief, where he played a pivotal role in modernizing department operations. His leadership contributed to significant advancements in training, records management, fire prevention, and community relations. Notably, he successfully secured approximately $1.5 million in grant funding and helped the department achieve an ISO Class 1 rating—an accomplishment that speaks for itself.
Beyond his department, he has been deeply committed to the Arkansas State Firefighters’ Association. He has served as East Central President and State Vice President, and he has been one of the most persistent and effective membership recruiters in the state. If there was a fire station within driving distance, chances are he stopped-whether to speak with firefighters or leave information for them to find later. His dedication to the mission of the AFFA is evident in both his leadership and his consistency.
He has also served on the Arkansas Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial Board, honoring the promise to “Never Forget,” and continues to contribute as Head of Training for the Arkansas Fire Convention. In that role, he works year-round to deliver a week of high-quality training that benefits firefighters across the state.
On a personal note, my professional respect for this individual is matched only by my appreciation for his friendship. From our first week of hanging out for training in Eureka Springs-where, like many great fire service lessons, some of the best conversations happened, especially at the Cat House—he has been a steady source of knowledge, encouragement, and perspective. He introduced me to FDIC, generously allowing me to “borrow” a spot on his couch so I could attend. That experience became a tradition and ultimately allowed me to pass along the same opportunity to others—a ripple effect that speaks volumes about his influence.
There are undoubtedly many more accomplishments and contributions that I cannot fully capture here. However, it is clear that his impact on the fire service, the State of Arkansas, and the many individuals fortunate enough to learn from him is both significant and lasting.
For these reasons, and with great respect, I proudly nominate Retired Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey Lewis Jones for induction into the Arkansas State Firefighters’ Association Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.
Sincerely,
Shane R. Dallas
Retired Fire Chief
Forrest City Fire Department
hall of fame members
2025
Deputy Chief Ryan Jones
2024
Gary Meadows | Arkansas Fire Academy
Bill Hellard | Arkansas Fire Academy
Shane Dallas | Forrest City Fire Department
2023
Eric Chisom| Monticello Fire Dept
2022
Kevin Miller | Jonesboro Fire Dept
2021
Roger Smith | Hot Springs Village Fire Dept
2020
Steven Farmer | Brookland Fire Dept
2019
Howard Edwards | Warren Fire Dept
2018
Mac D. Holmes | West Memphis Fire Dept
2017
Fred Heath | Wynne Fire Dept
2016
Erby Campbell | Earle Fire Dept
2015
Kevin McMasters | Bay Fire Dept
2014
Bonita Yount | Monticello Fire Dept
2013
Danny Holbaugh | Bald Knob Fire Dept
2012
Tom Martin | Searcy Fire Dept
2011
Greg Gray | Forrest City Fire Dept
2010
Ray Dunemn Monticello | Fire Dept
2009
Doug Baker | Searcy Fire Dept
John B. Gleghorn | Batesville Fire Dept
William B. Seaton | Camden Fire Dept
2008
Robert Edwards | Arkansas Fire Academy
2007
Stacy Caplener Pleasant | Plains Fire Dept
2006
David Schwarz Weiner | Fire Dept
Dan White Bentonville | Fire Dept
2005
Stephen Jones Imboden | Fire Dept
Wayne Miller Philadelphia | Fire Dept
2004
Joseph B. “Joe” Brock | Pine Bluff Fire Dept
Tommy Morgan | Hamburg Fire Dept
2003
Dan Curtner | Wynne Fire Dept
Bob Davis | Batesville Fire Dept
2002
Rachel Ann Nix | Arkansas Fire Academy
Mickey Jackson | Fayetteville Fire Dept
2001
Raymond W. Chisom | Monticello Fire Dept
Edward “Buddy” Lynch | Stuttgart Fire Dept
2000
Johnny Reep | Little Rock Fire Dept
William B. “Bill” Lundy | Little Rock Fire Dept
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