Hope Police Department

05/29/2026

The Hope Police Department would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make the Keith Powell Benefit Lunch on Friday, May 29, 2026, such a tremendous success.

A very special thank you goes to The Flaming Pig Barbeque and The Chilly Pig Sweet and Savory food trucks for their generous support of this event. We would also like to recognize Sheriff David Norwood of Ouachita County, Arkansas, for donating the beautiful handcrafted wooden porch chair that was raffled during the fundraiser.

Congratulations to Janice McIver of Hope, Arkansas, who was the lucky winner of the porch chair raffle. We would also like to recognize Gary Dorman, who won the 50/50 raffle and then graciously donated his winnings back to Officer Powell’s family. Your generosity is truly inspiring.

We want to give a huge shout-out to all of the volunteers who donated their time and effort, as well as our incredible community for coming together in support of such a worthy cause.

Because of your kindness and generosity, this event raised more than $8,000 to help the family of Officer Keith Powell offset expenses incurred during his illness and passing.

The outpouring of support shown to the Powell family is a testament to the strength, compassion, and unity of our community. Thank you for honoring Officer Powell’s memory and for standing beside his family during this difficult time.

05/28/2026

Don't forget to join us tomorrow, May 29th, 2026 between 11am and 3pm for the Benefit Lunch for Officer Keith Powell. The Flaming Pig Barbeque will be set up at 535 North Hervey Street, serving great food.

In addition, The Chilly Pig Sweet & Savory snow cone truck will be there.

Ouachita County Sheriff David Norwood has also donated a handcrafted wooden porch chair, to be raffled, and the proceeds will go to Officer Powell's family.

05/27/2026

Animal Control Officer

📅 Date Posted: May 26, 2026 📅 Closing Date: June 12, 2026

💲 Pay: $16.53 per hour 🕒 Job Type: Full-Time

8-hour shifts, Includes weekends, 40-hour work week

JOB SUMMARY

The Animal Control Officer works under the general supervision of the Animal Control Director and performs routine and complex public safety work in the enforcement of the City of Hope animal control ordinances. Law enforcement procedures, state and federal laws, and department policy govern this position.

ROUTINE JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

✔ Patrol streets to locate and capture stray animals using traps or other methods
✔ Transport animals to shelters or relocate wild animals for release
✔ Respond to complaints involving animal ordinance violations, bites, property damage, or injuries
✔ Remove injured or dangerous animals from streets and residential premises
✔ Feed, house, and care for animals at the shelter
✔ Maintain cleanliness and upkeep of the animal shelter
✔ Investigate ordinance violations and issue warnings or citations when necessary
✔ Serve criminal and civil notices related to animal control enforcement
✔ Appear in court regarding animal control cases
✔ Maintain shelter records and incident logs
✔ Educate the public on animal control ordinances and promote animal education programs for children in schools and churches

BENEFITS

✅ Health Insurance ✅ Dental Insurance ✅ Vision Insurance ✅ Paid Time Off
✅ Retirement Plan ✅ Tuition Reimbursement

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

🎓 High school diploma or equivalent required 🐾 One year of animal control experience preferred
Applicants without prior experience will be trained 🚗 Must possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record

Applications can be obtained from the Hope Police Department or at https://www.hopear.gov/

05/22/2026

Hope Police Department Mourns the Loss of Officer Keith Powell

The Hope Police Department is saddened to announce the passing of Officer Keith Powell, a seven-year veteran of the department, who passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Officer Powell was diagnosed with cancer in October 2025 and faced his illness with strength and determination. During his service with the Hope Police Department, he worked in both the Communications Division and the Patrol Division, where he earned the respect and admiration of his fellow officers and the community he served.

Officer Powell was a dedicated public servant who took pride in protecting and serving the citizens of Hope. His professionalism, commitment, and positive attitude made him an asset to the department and a trusted colleague and friend to many.

Chief Kim Tomlin stated “Today we mourn the loss of one of our own. Keith’s courage, compassion, and dedication to serving his community will never be forgotten. Our hearts are with Keith’s family, friends, and fellow officers. We will forever honor him and the lasting impact he made on all of us.”

The Hope Police Department extends its heartfelt condolences to Officer Powell’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. Officer Keith Powell will be greatly missed, and his service and legacy will always be remembered.

Visitation will be held at McFadden & Hitchye Funeral Home, 411 S. Walnut Street in Hope, AR on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026 from 5:00pm-7:00pm.

Funeral Services will be held at Hope Church of Christ, 1815 Rocky Mound Road in Hope, AR on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 at 11:00am.

05/21/2026

Thank you to Farmer's Bank & Trust for the goodies basket in observance of National Police Week.

We appreciate all that you do for our community!

05/20/2026

Hempstead County Jury Convicts Hope Man on Drug Charges Following Two-Day Trial

HOPE, Ark. — On May 19, 2026, a Hempstead County jury convicted Tommy J. Cole, 42, of Hope, Arkansas, of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver within 1,000 feet of a designated school bus stop and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia following a two-day jury trial in Hempstead County Circuit Court.

The charges stemmed from a July 24, 2025 traffic stop conducted in the 3500 block of Highway 67 West in Hope, Arkansas. Following an investigation by the Hope Police Department and the 8th North Drug Task Force, Cole was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, more than 10 grams but less than 200 grams, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Trial proceedings began on May 18, 2026, before a jury of Hempstead County residents. In addition to the original charges, prosecutors pursued an enhancement alleging the offenses occurred within 1,000 feet of a designated school bus stop.

After hearing evidence presented by both the State of Arkansas and the defense, the jury retired to deliberate on May 19, 2026, ultimately returning guilty verdicts on all counts.

During the sentencing phase, jurors considered Cole’s criminal history, which included 23 prior felony convictions. The jury sentenced Cole to 18 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and an additional 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for the school bus stop enhancement.

The case was prosecuted by the 8th North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jim Burke. The Honorable Duncan Culpepper, Circuit Judge for the 8th North Judicial District, presided over the proceedings.

05/14/2026

On Friday, May 15th, 2026, from 9am until 2pm, Hope PD officers will be at Atwoods, located at 3rd and Hervey Street, in Hope, AR, selling tickets for this event.

Stop by and grab a few tickets to support this great cause. You don't even have to get out of your vehicle if you don't want, the officers will come to your window if needed.

The Hope Police Department, in partnership with The Flaming Pig, will host a benefit lunch on Friday, May 29th, 2026 from 11:00am until 3:00pm, for Officer Keith Powell, who was diagnosed with cancer in October 2025.

Prepaid tickets may be purchased for $10 prior to the event by contacting the Hope Police Department or you can purchase a plate on the day of the event.

The benefit lunch will be at the North Hervey Shopping Center, 535 North Hervey Street in Hope, AR.

Come join us and enjoy good food for a great cause!

05/13/2026

The Hope Police Department, in partnership with The Flaming Pig, will host a benefit lunch on Friday, May 29th, 2026 from 11:00am until 3:00pm, for Officer Keith Powell, who was diagnosed with cancer in October 2025.

Prepaid tickets may be purchased for $10 prior to the event by contacting the Hope Police Department or you can purchase a plate on the day of the event.

The benefit lunch will be at the North Hervey Shopping Center, 535 North Hervey Street in Hope, AR.

Come join us and enjoy good food for a great cause!

05/11/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11th, 2026
CONTACT: Chief Kim Tomlin – 870-777-3434 – [email protected]

Seat Belts Saves Lives
Buckle Up May 18 – May 31, and Every Day

Hope, AR — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging drivers to buckle up ahead of the Click It or Ticket seat belt safety campaign. The national high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs May 18-31, 2026.
Seat belt use should be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike. During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Not buckling up could mean a ticket, or worse, risking a life.

In 2024, there were 9,758 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes. The national seat belt use rate in 2024 was 91.2%, which is good — but it can be better. The other 8.8% still need to be reminded that seat belts save lives. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night.
One of the focuses of the Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign is nighttime enforcement. NHTSA data shows a higher number of unrestrained occupant fatalities happen at night (56% between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.). Of the males killed in crashes in 2023, more than half (53%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 41% were not buckled up.

Buckle Up the Right Way

• Place the shoulder belt across the middle of the chest and away from the neck.
• Lay the lap belt across the hips and not the stomach.
• NEVER place the seat belt behind the back or under arms.

We are asking friends and family to remind each other to buckle up in the front and back seats and to consider changing their habits if they don’t. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up.
For more information on the Click It or Ticket seat belt high-visibility enforcement campaign, please visit NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.