Three officers with the Benton Police Department received promotions during a ceremony at the Benton Municipal Complex on Friday.
“This is a great day for acknowledging achievements that were made in 2016 and to looking toward the future,” Police Chief Kirk Lane said. “Our officers are dedicated to protecting and serving our citizens, and they play an integral part of building and shaping this department.”
The officers promoted were:
Jamar Bennett: Promoted from detective to sergeant — Sgt. Bennett began working at the Benton Police Department in June 2006 and was assigned to the Patrol Division. In October 2010, Jamar was transferred to the Special Investigations Unit and was assigned as a Task Force Officer with the IRS-Criminal Investigations and with Homeland Security Investigations.
He holds several degrees including – Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Community College of the Air Force; Associate’s Degree in Human Resources, Community College of the Air Force; Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Park University; Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Park University; Master’s Degree in Public Affairs with concentration in Disaster and Emergency Management, Park University; Professional Manager Certification, Community College of the Air Force.
Sgt. Bennett is a 23-year veteran of the United States Air Force and the Arkansas National Guard with multiple deployments overseas in support of the Global War on Terrorism. He began his military career as a Security Forces member and went on to become First Sergeant in 2009. He currently serves as the Human Resource Advisor for the 189th Airlift Wing at the Little Rock Air Force Base. He is also an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.
Kyle Ellison: Promoted from detective to sergeant – Sgt. Ellison began working at the Benton Police Department in July 2009 as a Cadet. After turning 21, he was sworn-in as an officer in January 2011 and assigned to the Patrol Division. In April of 2013 he joined the SWAT team and in July of 2013 he transferred from patrol to the Special Investigations Unit as a detective.
In April of 2014, Sgt. Ellison was awarded the Benton Police Department Medal of Valor and was nominated as 2014 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for District 2 by the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office. In January of 2016 he became a Police Service Dog Handler and was assigned to the Benton Interstate Criminal Enforcement Patrol Unit where he is currently assigned.
Eric Porter: Promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant – Sgt. Porter began his law enforcement career in 2005 at Caddo Valley Police Department. He came to work for the Benton Police Department in 2007 with assignment to the Patrol Division.
He became a Field Training Officer and joined the Hostage Negotiation Team in 2009. In 2011, he was named Officer of the 3rd quarter, and in 2012 he was named Officer of the Year. In January of 2015, he was promoted to sergeant and transferred to the Training Division in June 2016. Sgt. Porter has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Henderson State University.