Divisions
01
Law Enforcement Division
The Law Enforcement Division of the Arkansas First Responders Bureau is dedicated to supporting law enforcement agencies across the state by providing critical assistance in training, equipment funding, and mental health resources. Our mission is to ensure that every department, regardless of size or budget, has access to the tools and support needed to serve and protect their communities effectively.
Our division offers:
- Specialized Training Assistance: We help agencies enhance their officers’ skills through advanced training programs tailored to modern policing challenges.
- Equipment Cost Support: We assist departments in securing funding and resources for essential law enforcement equipment.
- Mental Health & Wellness Resources: Recognizing the challenges of the job, we provide officers with access to counseling, peer support, and wellness programs to maintain their mental and emotional well-being.
All volunteers within our division are certified law enforcement officers actively serving with their respective agencies throughout the state of Arkansas. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise, ensuring that the support provided is practical, effective, and aligned with the needs of the law enforcement community.
Together, we stand committed to strengthening Arkansas law enforcement agencies, fostering resilience, and enhancing public safety statewide.
02
Fire Division
The Fire Division of the Arkansas First Responders Bureau is dedicated to assisting fire departments across the state by providing crucial support in training, equipment funding, and mental health resources. Our mission is to ensure that firefighters—both career and volunteer—have access to the tools, knowledge, and support they need to protect lives and property effectively.
Our division offers:
- Advanced Training Support: We help fire departments access specialized training to improve firefighting techniques, rescue operations, and emergency response.
- Equipment Cost Assistance: We assist agencies in securing funding and resources for essential firefighting gear, apparatus, and safety equipment.
- Mental Health & Wellness Resources: Recognizing the physical and emotional toll of the job, we provide firefighters with access to counseling, peer support, and wellness programs to promote long-term well-being.
All volunteers in our division are certified firefighters actively serving with their respective agencies throughout Arkansas or have been trained as volunteer firefighters through the many volunteer fire departments across the state. Their hands-on experience ensures that the support and resources we provide are practical, relevant, and beneficial to the firefighting community.
Together, we are committed to strengthening Arkansas fire departments, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and supporting those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
03
EMS Division
The EMS Division of the Arkansas First Responders Bureau is dedicated to supporting emergency medical service (EMS) agencies across the state by providing essential assistance in training, equipment funding, and mental health resources. Our mission is to ensure that EMS personnel have the resources, skills, and support needed to deliver high-quality emergency medical care to Arkansas communities.
Our division offers:
- Specialized Training Support: We help EMS agencies access advanced training programs to enhance emergency response, life-saving techniques, and critical care procedures.
- Equipment Cost Assistance: We assist departments in securing funding and acquiring vital medical equipment, supplies, and vehicles to improve patient care and emergency response capabilities.
- Mental Health & Wellness Resources: Understanding the emotional and physical demands of EMS work, we provide access to counseling, peer support, and wellness programs to promote mental and emotional well-being.
All volunteers in our division are certified EMS professionals actively serving in various roles within their respective agencies throughout Arkansas. These positions include EMTs, Paramedics, Supervisors, and Medical Dispatchers, ensuring that our support services are informed by real-world experience and tailored to the needs of EMS personnel.
Together, we are committed to strengthening Arkansas EMS agencies, improving emergency medical response, and supporting those who dedicate their lives to saving others.
04
School Resource Officer Division
The School Resource Officer (SRO) Division of the Arkansas First Responders Bureau is dedicated to enhancing the safety, training, and well-being of School Resource Officers across the state. Led by a Captain who is an active SRO, this division ensures that officers assigned to schools receive specialized training, mental health support, and opportunities to engage with the communities they serve.
Our division provides:
- Specialized Training for SROs: We offer comprehensive training programs tailored to the unique challenges of school-based law enforcement, including crisis response, de-escalation techniques, and student engagement strategies.
- Mental Health & Wellness Resources: Understanding the emotional and psychological challenges of working in a school environment, we provide access to mental health support, peer counseling, and wellness programs for SROs.
- School-Based Events & Community Engagement: We organize events designed to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and students, school staff, and parents, promoting a safer and more supportive educational environment.
With active SROs leading this division, we ensure that every resource, training, and initiative is relevant, effective, and aligned with the needs of officers protecting Arkansas schools.
Together, we are committed to providing SROs with the tools, support, and training necessary to create safer school environments across the state.
05
911 Emergency Commutations Division
The Dispatcher Division of the Arkansas First Responders Bureau is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the skills, well-being, and preparedness of dispatchers across the state. Led by a Captain with experience in emergency communications, this division provides specialized training, mental health resources, and critical scenario-based exercises to ensure dispatchers are equipped to handle high-priority emergency calls effectively.
Our division provides:
- Comprehensive Dispatcher Training: We offer specialized training programs covering call-handling techniques, emergency response coordination, crisis communication, and situational awareness.
- Mental Health & Wellness Resources: Recognizing the stress and emotional toll of emergency dispatching, we provide access to mental health support, peer counseling, and wellness programs to promote resilience and well-being.
- High-Priority Call Scenario Training: We conduct hands-on training exercises that simulate high-stress emergency calls, helping dispatchers improve decision-making, communication, and response strategies.
With active dispatch professionals leading this division, we ensure that every training session, resource, and initiative is practical, relevant, and tailored to the needs of Arkansas’ emergency dispatchers.
Together, we are committed to strengthening the skills, confidence, and mental well-being of those who serve as the vital first point of contact in emergencies.
06
Public Information Office (PIO)
The Public Information Office (PIO) Division of the Arkansas First Responders Bureau is dedicated to ensuring clear, accurate, and timely communication between the bureau, the media, and the public. This division is responsible for training Public Information Officers across the state, managing media inquiries, and maintaining an active presence on social media to keep the community informed.
Our division provides:
- PIO Training & Development: We offer specialized training for Public Information Officers, equipping them with the skills needed to handle press conferences, crisis communication, and media relations effectively.
- Media & Public Relations: We serve as the official voice of the bureau, answering questions from the media, the public, and social platforms regarding our mission, operations, and initiatives.
- Social Media & Community Engagement: Our division manages the bureau’s social media presence, providing real-time updates, event announcements, and important news affecting first responders and the community throughout Arkansas.
By ensuring transparent communication and keeping the public informed, the PIO Division plays a crucial role in strengthening relationships between first responders and the communities they serve.
07
Search and Rescue Division (SAR)
The Search and Rescue (SAR) Division of the Arkansas First Responders Bureau is a newly developing unit dedicated to providing specialized assistance in locating and rescuing missing persons across the state. This division is comprised of volunteers from the Arkansas First Responders Bureau who will undergo comprehensive search and rescue training to ensure they are prepared to respond when called upon.
Our division will focus on:
- Specialized SAR Training: Volunteers will receive training in search tactics, terrain navigation, rescue techniques, and coordination with local, state, and federal agencies.
- Statewide Emergency Assistance: The SAR Division will be available to assist law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency management teams in critical search and rescue operations.
- Preparedness & Rapid Deployment: Once fully developed, this team will be equipped with the necessary skills and resources to respond efficiently to emergencies, including missing persons, disaster recovery, and wilderness rescues.
As this division continues to grow, we are committed to building a highly trained, reliable, and skilled search and rescue team that will be a valuable asset to communities across Arkansas.
08
Dive Team
The Dive Team Division of the Arkansas First Responders Bureau is a newly developing unit focused on providing specialized underwater search and recovery assistance. This division is comprised of volunteers from the Arkansas First Responders Bureau who will undergo rigorous dive team training to ensure they are prepared to respond to water-related emergencies when called upon.
Our division will focus on:
- Specialized Dive Team Training: Volunteers will be trained in underwater search techniques, evidence recovery, victim rescue, and hazardous water conditions.
- Statewide Emergency Assistance: Once fully developed, the team will be available to assist law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency management agencies in water rescue and recovery operations.
- Preparedness & Rapid Deployment: Equipped with the necessary skills and gear, the team will be ready to respond efficiently to drowning incidents, submerged vehicle recoveries, and other aquatic emergencies.
As this division continues to grow, we are committed to building a highly trained, reliable, and skilled dive team that will be a valuable resource for emergency response efforts throughout Arkansas.
09
Community Care Team
The Community Care Team (CCT) of the Arkansas First Responders Bureau (AFRB) is a dedicated group of trained volunteers committed to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of Arkansas’ first responders. Comprised of experienced AFRB members, the CCT serves as a crucial bridge between first responders and professional psychiatrists, ensuring that those who experience distressing calls or challenges at home have access to the help they need.
The CCT provides support in three key ways:
Debriefing After Major Calls – The CCT is available to help first responders work through high-stress or traumatic calls, offering structured debriefing support to promote mental resilience and recovery.
Bridging the Gap to Professional Help – We connect first responders with licensed psychiatrists and mental health professionals, ensuring they receive the specialized care they need when facing personal or job-related struggles.
Peer Support Network – For those who prefer talking to someone with shared experiences, our team of trained volunteers offers understanding, guidance, and a safe space to process emotions.