On Wednesday Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson announced that Benton police chief Kirk Lane would assume the role of State Drug Director, succeeding Denny Altes of Fort Smith who resigned the position in May.
“Chief Lane’s extensive experience in law enforcement and his background with the FBI has well-equipped him to serve as the new Arkansas Drug Director,” said Hutchison. Chief Lane is a dedicated leader who has been a valuable asset to several Arkansas drug and alcohol boards and programs. I am confident that he will continue to do an outstanding job working to further alcohol- and drug-abuse prevention and treatment initiatives of our state.”
In a press release, Hutchinson says Lane’s background with the FBI and law enforcement “equipped him well to serve in the role.”
Lane has served as chief of police for the Benton Police Department since 2009. Prior to serving in that role, Chief Lane spent more than 20 years with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and served as captain of its Criminal Investigations Division for nearly a decade.
He is a graduate of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy and the FBI National Academy.
Lane has also served as a member of the Arkansas Drug and Alcohol Coordinating Council, the Arkansas Gulf Coast HITDA State Board, the Terrorism Task Force, the Arkansas Prescription Drug Advisory Board and the Arkansas Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
Chief Lane has also received countless awards for his service including the Mayoral Distinguished Medal of Merit for Benton, 2010 Benton Citizen of the Year and the 2012 Marie Interfaith Award..
“This is a great opportunity to lead people in the same direction to prevent drug abuse and improve the quality of life for all Arkansas,” Lane said. “My job is to encourage people to work together to resolve these issues, and I look forward to being a part of the Governor’s team in this effort.”