REMEMBERING SR. CPL. MICHAEL SPRINGER

On Friday, February 11, the Arkansas State Police lost one of our own. Sr. Cpl. Michael Springer passed away at the age of 59 following complications from an illness.

A resident of Fort Smith, he spent his entire career of 33 years serving the communities in Troop H’s jurisdiction. “The type of man Mike was is a type we don’t see much these days,” ASPA president Coty Williams says. “He sacrificed a large portion of his life to serve his community.”

Troop H commander Cpt. Chris Goodman added to these sentiments. “He took pride in treating people good and representing the uniform well. He was a mentor and a great example of being a Christian and a family man while balancing a State Police and military career.”

Michael Springer was born June 8, 1962 in Booneville to Billy Ray and Elizabeth Ophelia Springer. He was a member of the Northside Church of Christ in Greenwood and a retired U.S. Navy Seabee who was decorated for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Rhonda; two daughters, Haley Laster (Kyle) of Greenwood and Hannah Alford (Ty) of McNeil; his stepmother, Maxine Jones of Booneville; one sister, Brenda Dormois of Booneville; and two grandchildren, Paislee Ray and William Wyatt Laster.

Springer’s life was honored with a memorial service on February 18 at West Ark Church of Christ followed by burial of cremains in Fort Smith’s U.S. National Cemetery with Military and Arkansas State Police Honors.

“Sr. Cpl. Springer didn’t seek recognition or notoriety; he was just a good man doing good work.”

—President Coty Williams

Col. Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police, presents Rhonda Springer with an American flag.