Arkansas State Trooper (First Class) Ted Grigson has been selected the 1997 NATIONAL TROOPER OF THE YEAR. The award was presented to
Grigson during ceremonies in Washington D.C. in March, 1998 during the annual meeting of
the International Association of Chiefs of Police, State and Provincial Division. Trooper
Grigson is the first Arkansas trooper to be nationally recognized by the IACP and is also
the recipient of the 1997 ARKANSAS TROOPER OF THE YEAR award.
Trooper Grigson was chosen for his humanitarian efforts while helping a neighbor who suffered serious injuries after falling from a ladder. Days before the Grigson family was to begin an out-of-state vacation, Grigson heard of the neighbor’s plight and canceled his plans in order to help maintain his neighbor's large dairy farm located near Lincoln (Washington County). Through an organizational effort headed by Trooper Grigson, other area farmers and dairy operators were contacted and local volunteers began assisting in the daily farm chores. Even after Trooper Grigson’s vacation time was exhausted he continued to work on the farm while also performing his duties along the roads and highways in Troop "L" (based at Springdale).
Governor Mike Huckabee has also recognized Trooper Grigson for his service and compassion toward his fellow man.
During the national competition for the Trooper of the Year, Trooper Grigson was among a group of three other finalists from Ohio, Connecticut and California. Trooper Grigson was the only finalist considered for the award who’s efforts above the call of duty arose while off-duty and outside the typical police role.
In his recognition of Trooper Grigson, Colonel John R. Bailey, Director of the Arkansas State Police has said, "Trooper Grigson should serve as an inspiration to to every Arkansan and remind everyone of the spirit within every man and woman who wears the badge of the Arkansas State Police."
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