The Benton Police Department (BNPD) held a ceremony Monday, June 12 to honor the 20-year career of Lt. Terry Fuller.
“It’s been a fulfilling career,” Lt. Fuller said. “I never thought I’d see this day. I’m going to miss all the friends I’ve made and worked with here.”
After serving three years with the Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Department, Lt. Fuller was hired by the Benton Police Department in June of 2000. He earned the rank of sergeant in June of 2005. He was promoted to lieutenant of the Criminal Investigation Division in January of 2015.
“Lt. Fuller has led a very strong career here at the Benton Police Department,” Chief Kirk Lane said. “His dedication was greatly noted, and he was rewarded with the Officer of the Year for 2016, and he certainly earned that award. He is going to be greatly missed by the department and me, and the door will always be open for him.”
During his 20-year career, Lt. Fuller attained numerous specialized training degrees, including: Expert in Blood Splatter Analysis, Crime Scene Tech, Advanced Crime Scene Tech, Narcotics Officer Certificate Program, Law Enforcement Supervision, Basic Technical Video and Surveillance Techniques, trained in Clandestine Labs, trained in dealing with hazardous materials, Hostage Negotiator, DEA task force sergeant over narcotics, & Criminal Investigations Division lieutenant. He was named the 2016 Officer of the Year for making the “most significant contribution to the overall success of the police department.”
“In each case, Lt. Fuller’s ability to methodically organize and his attention to detail, was a principal component of the success of these investigations,” Chief Lane said. “He also took on the responsibility to develop a Naloxone Training Course and trained every officer of the Benton Police Department. And he taught this course to several other police departments in Central Arkansas, including the Arkansas State Police.”
The BNPD officers and staff congratulate Lt. Fuller for his dedicated service to the citizens of Hot Spring County, City of Benton, and to the country during his 6-years serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.