Jeff Holmes has been named chief of Arkansas Highway Police after the retirement of former chief Jay Thompson.
Holmes has worked with the Arkansas Department of Transportation since 1993 when he was a highway patrol officer in West Memphis. In 1998, He has held roles of patrol officer first class, AHP sergeant, first lieutenant in special services, captain and district commander.
Jay Thompson officially retired from the department in November after a 30-year career. He served as AHP chief
since 2018 and was the president of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance in 2016 and 2019.
Arkansas Highway Police Chief Jay Thompson has been a friend and partner to the trucking industry, always willing to answer enforcement questions, celebrate the safest and most skilled drivers and law enforcement officers at the annual Arkansas Trucking Championship, and promote safer roads for every driver in the state.
“The industry is grateful for Jay’s contributions to safety on Arkansas roads,” Arkansas Trucking Association President Shannon Newton said. “We wish him health and happiness in his retirement.
“We look forward to working with Chief Holmes and continuing our work to make highways safe for everyone in the state,” Newton said.
