BARLING, Ark. — An officer with the Barling Police Department (BPD) that jumped into the Arkansas River to perform a rescue in April has been named Arkansas Officer of the Year.

Reports from the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office said that on April 7, 2025, a car had driven into the Arkansas River in Barling and was taking on water.

BPD officer Cody Douglas arrived at the scene and, upon seeing a person struggling to stay afloat in the river, dropped his gear and jumped in to save them.

Backup soon arrived on scene, and everyone made it out of the water, according to SCSO.

On Sept. 30, BPD announced Douglas had been honored as the Arkansas Officer of the Year by the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police at their annual conference.

"The recognition highlights his professionalism, d

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