Aug. 26, 2020
Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications
HEBER SPRINGS — A stretch of Arkansas Highway 25 in Cleburne County was named yesterday after Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Wildlife Officer Sgt. Darrell “Monty” Carmikle. Many members of the AGFC Enforcement Division, AGFC Director Pat Fitts and AGFC Deputy Director Chris Colclasure were present when signs bearing Carmikle’s name were erected along the stretch between Quitman and Heber Springs.
A dedicated officer and veteran of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for 23 years, Carmikle was killed in a helicopter crash while working to catch night hunters in Cleburne County around 1 a.m. Nov. 6, 2008. He is survived by his wife, Mary Carmikle, and son Caleb Carmikle. Both Carmikles have since had significant influence in the Arkansas Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the loved ones left behind when a law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty. Mary also is the trustee for the south-central region on the national COPS board.
Col. Greg Rae, chief of the AGFC’s Enforcement Division, said it was an honor to be at the dedication of the memorial highway with the Carmikles and members of the AGFC family.
“Most people will never know the sacrifices law enforcement officers make,” Rae said. “Monty made the ultimate sacrifice that night while trying to protect the wildlife resource and working a job he loved. He will always be remembered by his family, friends and those who worked with him, but now, as people from all over the country drive to Greers Ferry Lake and see the signs, they might just break out their phones and look up the name. Then they will know who Monty was and know what a sacrifice is.”
