On behalf of the Commander, we would like to congratulate the 2023-2024 VFW Public Servant - Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, K9 Handler Lauren Hendricks, of the Fort Smith Police Department!

 

Officer Lauren Hendricks is currently assigned to narcotics in the Criminal Investigation Division and has been a law enforcement officer since January 2017.

Officer Hendricks is recognized as the 2022 and 2023 Negotiator of the Year. She was also the Employee of the Month for November 2023. She is the recipient of a lifesaving award issued by the Criminal Justice Institute of the University of Arkansas System.

Hendricks also received an FBI Commendation Letter regarding her participation in a federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation.

Officer Hendricks is a graduate of the distinguished FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA) leadership program "Supervisor Leadership Institute – SLI”. This program empowers law enforcement leaders with essential skills and strategies to effectively navigate the challenges of modern policing. It enhances leadership competencies through personality diagnostics, leadership case studies, mentoring, performance management, risk management, and credibility.

The commitment and dedication shown by Hendricks to enhancing the quality of life in the community resonates deeply with our Post. Her actions and character reflect great credit upon herself, the Fort Smith Police Department, and law enforcement officers across the United States.