FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 14, 2022

CONTACT

Aric Mitchell
info@fortsmithpd.org
479-709-5000

AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT

Officer Robin Gaines one of three named State Officer of the Year

Fort Smith, AR - Officer Robin Gaines of the Fort Smith Police Department was named on Tuesday, Dec. 13, the 2022 Officer of the Year for the State of Arkansas along with Hot Springs Police Officers Stephen Parrott and James Moore. Officer Gaines was chosen for his response to a deadly domestic violence incident that occurred on Oct. 17, 2021, in Fort Smith.

Officer Gaines was dispatched to a disturbance with weapons call. When he arrived, he found Christofer Conner violently assaulting his 15-year-old son with a brick. Officer Gaines confronted Conner and ordered him to drop the brick and get on the ground. Conner began to walk toward a residence instead of following the commands, so Officer Gaines placed himself between Conner and the house. Conner initially complied, but suddenly lunged at Officer Gaines and stabbed him in the neck with a large knife.

During the extremely violent attack, Officer Gaines was forced to fire his duty weapon to defend himself which ultimately ended the attack. Critically wounded, Officer Gaines was rushed to the hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. The 15-year-old boy did not survive.

Further investigation into the incident revealed that Conner had killed his girlfriend inside the residence he was walking towards when Officer Gaines intervened. A young juvenile was located inside relatively unharmed.

“Officer Gaines acted with heroism and bravery in the line of duty when confronted with extreme danger to his own life by a subject on a murderous rampage," said Fort Smith Chief of Police Danny Baker. "His exemplary actions truly displayed the Guardian mindset all members of the Fort Smith Police Department strive to have."

In addition to the State Officer of the Year Award, Officer Gaines was chosen as Officer of the Year for Sebastian County and the Northwest Region. Thankfully, following a difficult year of recovery, he has returned to active duty.

In a recent press release, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said, "Officer Gaines, Officer Parrott, and Officer Moore’s quick reaction and bravery halted extremely dangerous situations that easily could have turned into further tragedies. Each of these winners sacrifice so much to protect our communities. I cannot thank our law enforcement officials and their families enough for all they do on a daily basis."

The Fort Smith Police Department is honored to have one of these three brave Officers on our team, and we send our congratulations to Officers Parrott and Moore as well. Thank you all for the sacrifices you make daily.

OFFICER GAINES