FORT SMITH - The Fort Smith Police Department has promoted three veteran officers to the ranks of Captain and Deputy Chief. The Civil Service Commission certified a list of eligible candidates on Oct. 5. From that list, Danny Baker, Thomas Wes Milam, and Jason Thompson scored high enough to advance in rank.
Deputy Chief Baker comes to his new position from the rank of Captain. The promotion effective date is Thursday (Oct. 11). Baker’s law enforcement experience spans many years and includes agencies like the Heavener Police Department, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, and Latimer County Sheriff’s Office. He studied criminal justice at Northeastern State University. His tenure with the Fort Smith Police Department began on July 2, 2001.
Captain Milam also starts his new duties on Oct. 11, rising from the rank of Lieutenant. Milam’s law enforcement experience began with the FSPD on Dec. 30, 2002. He studied criminal justice at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock (UALR) and serves as an adjunct professor of criminal justice at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS). Prior to becoming a police officer, Milam worked in news media for KFSM/5NEWS and KPOM TV-24/KNWA.
Captain Thompson began his duties on Oct. 8, rising from the rank of Lieutenant. Thompson started with the FSPD on May 8, 2006. He was assigned to the patrol division after completing the academy. During his tenure, he has earned a Life Saving Award in 2009, a Field Training Officer distinction in 2011, the FSPD Officer of the Year Award in 2012, and achieved the rank of Sergeant in 2014.
