Chief Roy Baker brings over 20 years of experience in 911 Emergency Communications and as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), dedicating
his career to public safety and first responder advocacy. In 2018, he founded the Arkansas First Responders Bureau (AFRB) as a Facebook group, recognizing the need for stronger support within the first responder community. Among the first to join him was Assistant Chief Krone, and
together, they committed to addressing the challenges and unmet needs of
first responders across the state. Chief Baker is highly trained and certified in multiple disciplines,
including instructor certification from the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO), suicide awareness negotiation, and domestic violence intervention. His expertise and leadership have been instrumental in shaping AFRB into an organization dedicated to training, support, and advocacy for emergency personnel. Beyond his professional commitments, Chief Baker enjoys exploring new places, cooking, and spending quality time with his nephews. His passion for service and dedication to the first responder community continue to drive the mission of AFRB, ensuring that those who protect and serve have the resources and support they need.

Serena Krone is an EMT and was a volunteer firefighter in Saline County. She is married to James and they have 4 children. Serena followed in the footsteps of her baby sister, Brittany, in becoming a First Responder/EMT. Fueled by Brittany’s tragic passing, Serena is driven to assist other first responders who struggle with PTSD and suicidal thoughts, with the goal of reducing suicide amongst these heroes. Arkansas First Responders Bureau welcomed Serena in during development and she soon after became Deputy Director. The mission of AFR is one that is embedded deep in her heart and is grateful for the opportunity to help First Responders wherever needed.

Timothy Smith has dedicated his career to public service, with a strong background in law enforcement and emergency response. His journey began in 2011 as a dispatcher, where he gained valuable experience in handling emergency communications. In 2013, he pursued his passion for first responder work by becoming a volunteer firefighter, ultimately rising to the rank of backup lieutenant before concluding his service in 2017. In 2022, Timothy worked as a Community Service Aide in Columbia, Missouri, further expanding his experience in law enforcement support. In 2023, he returned home to Arkansas and fulfilled his longtime dream of becoming a police officer, committed to serving and protecting his community.

Christopher Rodgers has dedicated his career to serving his community through law enforcement and emergency response. He began his journey in 2017 as a dispatcher, gaining critical experience in handling emergency situations. In 2020, he transitioned to becoming a police officer, where he served with distinction until 2024, rising to the rank of sergeant. Following his time in law enforcement, Christopher pursued his passion for helping others by becoming an EMT. Now serving as an Admin Captain for the Arkansas First Responders Bureau, his mission is to support, teach, and advocate for first responders, focusing on education and mental health to improve their well-being and effectiveness in the field.

Capt. Clint Dalton leads the Law Enforcement Division within the Arkansas First Responder Bureau, bringing dedication and experience to his role. As a deputy sheriff in central Arkansas, he is deeply committed to serving his community with a focus on safety and support. A trained crisis negotiator and School Resource Officer, Capt. Dalton plays a crucial role in fostering secure environments for both students and the public. Beyond his work in law enforcement, he has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys spending his free time riding bikes and exploring nature with his children. Always striving to improve his skills, Capt. Dalton actively seeks training opportunities in crisis management, mental health, school safety, and community engagement. His dedication to both personal and professional growth underscores his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those he serves.

Bobby Shell’s career in law enforcement began at a young age, starting as a cadet with the Saline County Sheriff’s Office while still a junior in high school. After graduating, he worked as a dispatcher for the Benton Police Department. In 1997, while continuing his role as a dispatcher, Bobby became a reserve deputy for Saline County. By 1999, he became a full-time certified officer with the City of Benton, where he dedicated 25 years of service. During this time, he also taught criminal justice at ASU Three Rivers in Malvern for two years. In August 2022, Bobby returned to the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a School Resource Officer for the 2022/2023 school year and was recently honored with the Deputy of the Year award. Outside of law enforcement, Bobby is the pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Benton and has been happily married for 24 years. He is a proud father of one son and one daughter.

Tyler Barton currently serves as the Fire and Rescue Operations Division Chief for AFR, bringing a dedication to service and leadership to his role. While he is still relatively new to the fire service, his experience as a first responder began in 2019 when he started as a jailer. Over the years, he has expanded his commitment to public safety, now serving as a Captain for one volunteer fire department and a firefighter for another. A proud native of Heber Springs, Tyler continues to call it home with his wife and two sons. He is also a recent graduate of Ozarka College, earning his EMT-B certification. Tyler firmly believes that emergency response is more than just a team effort—it’s a community effort, and he is passionate about fostering that spirit in everything he does.

Pat Johnson has been a dedicated member of the Floyd Romance Fire Department since March 2021, serving as both a firefighter and a SkyWarn storm spotter. In June 2024, Pat took on the role of Liaison Officer, focusing on community outreach and communication to strengthen connections between the department and the people it serves. Passionate about collaboration, Pat enjoys working with other departments and is committed to helping volunteer fire departments secure the personnel they need. Through involvement with the Arkansas First Responders Bureau, Pat continues to expand networking efforts, ensuring that departments across the state have access to vital resources and support.