Van Buren Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #52

02/24/2026

The Van Buren Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #52, is united in our support of this sales tax. The proposal includes the building of a wonderful community center, badly needed new fire station, and the ongoing support to operate both. The ½ cent needed to build these will sunset once those are paid. The other ½ cent will be permanent and will provide funding to operate the community center and public safety. We are very excited about the opportunity this provides to our great city!

02/12/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2026
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 52 Endorses Jay Baker for Crawford County Justice of the Peace

VAN BUREN, AR — The Van Buren Police Department Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 52 is proud to announce its official endorsement of Lieutenant Jay Baker for Crawford County Justice of the Peace.
Lieutenant Baker has served the Van Buren Police Department with honor, professionalism, and integrity for more than a decade and has been a member of FOP Lodge 52 for 11 years. After attending the Van Buren Citizens Police Academy, Baker developed a strong commitment to public service and quickly distinguished himself as a leader within the department.

Throughout his career, Baker has advanced through the ranks, being promoted to Sergeant in 2022 and Lieutenant in 2024. He currently serves in a leadership role within the Criminal Investigation Division and was appointed Public Information Officer in 2025. His service and leadership have been recognized through numerous departmental honors, including Officer of the Quarter (2019), the Michael Stewart Leadership Award (2024), and the Chief’s Award of Excellence (2024).

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Baker remains actively involved in the community, volunteering with local organizations and supporting fellow officers through initiatives such as a weekly Bible study. He and his wife have raised their three children in Van Buren and remain deeply committed to the community and citizens of Crawford County.

“Lieutenant Baker is the type of leader that people follow because of who he is rather than his position. In every aspect of who he is, he influences our department in a positive way. He has shown a deep commitment to justice for victims of crime in our community,” said current FOP Lodge 52 President Koby McDonald.

“Jay Baker has built a strong reputation as a transformational leader. He inspires officers and team members while fostering a supportive, high-performing culture. By taking the time to understand the needs of his team, he is able to lead meaningful, positive change.” said longtime FOP member and former FOP Lodge 52 President Jonathan Wear.

“Jay Baker represents the kind of leadership our department, community, and county deserve. He leads with integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the people he serves. His ability to unite officers, build trust, and push for progress has helped strengthen our department from the moment he was hired. Jay doesn’t just talk about improvement; he works for it every day. That dedication and his faith in God is why so many stand behind him and believe in the direction he’s leading us and will lead in the position as District 3’s Justice of the Peace” said 14 year FOP lodge member and former FOP Lodge #52 President, George Edelen.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 52 proudly encourages citizens of Crawford County to support Jay Baker for Justice of the Peace!!!

12/23/2025

The Van Buren Fraternal Order of Police is proud to endorse Sheriff Daniel Perry in the 2026 Primary Election. Sheriff Perry and his deputies have continued to have a good working relationship with our department. It is not only important but absolutely necessary to have a good working relationship with all of the police agencies in Crawford County. He has served the citizens of Crawford County with honesty and integrity, while continuing to improve the working conditions of his officers.

08/21/2025

Join us for our first Pickleball Tournament, raising money for Shop With a Cop! There will be a cash prize for the winners! See below for information about SWAC! Email [email protected] to register!

✨🚓👮‍♂️ What is Shop with a Cop? 🎁🛍️



“Shop with a Cop” is a heartwarming community program where local law enforcement officers spend time with children during the holiday season, taking them shopping for gifts, clothes, and essentials. 💙



The goal is more than just holiday cheer — it’s about:

✅ Building positive relationships between kids and officers

✅ Spreading kindness and joy during the holidays

✅ Supporting families who may be facing financial challenges



Seeing the smiles, laughter, and connections made during these shopping trips reminds us what community is all about. 💫



👉 Have you ever been part of a Shop with a Cop event? Share your favorite memory or why you love this program!

10/27/2023

Thank you, Arcbest, for your great generosity. We, at the Van Buren Fraternal Order of Police along with our School Resource Officers, greatly appreciate your donation and your sacrifice. Your support helps to further our mission in helping local youth this holiday season through our “Shop with a Cop” program. Your support is invaluable to us, thank you again!
Arcbest - 8401 Mcclure Drive, Fort Smith AR
479-785-6000
If your business would like to donate, please contact:
Officer Myers at 479-217-0220 or at [email protected]
Donations may be mailed to:
800 Fayetteville Road
Van Buren, AR 72956
ATTN: FOP SWAC

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10/13/2023

Get ready for a SPOOKY good time! 👻

Join us for our FIRST ANNUAL Van Buren Police Department Trunk or Treat - located in our parking lot (800 Fayetteville Road) 🚓

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29th 🎃

5:00pm - 7:00pm 🕸️

Candy donations greatly appreciated and can be dropped off at our department or On Pointe Nutrition! 🍬

First responder agency wanting to join? Local business wanting to donate candy? Volunteer and donation questions can be directed to Cpl. Christy Nguyen via 479-471-3160 or [email protected] 🚒🍫🚑🍭

10/13/2023

Thank you, Bekaert, for your great generosity. We, at the Van Buren Fraternal Order of Police along with our School Resource Officers, greatly appreciate your donation and your sacrifice. Your support helps to further our mission in helping local youth this holiday season through our “Shop with a Cop” program. Your support is invaluable to us, thank you again!
Bekaert - 1881 Bekaert Drive, Van Buren AR 72956
479-474-5211
If your business would like to donate, please contact:
Officer Myers at 479-217-0220 or at [email protected]
Donations may be mailed to:
800 Fayetteville Road
Van Buren, AR 72956
ATTN: FOP SWAC

As a global market and technology leader in material science of steel wire transformation and coating technologies, Bekaert also applies its expertise beyond steel to create new solutions with innovative materials and services

10/12/2023

Thank you, Citizens Bank and Trust, for your great generosity. We, at the Van Buren Fraternal Order of Police along with our School Resource Officers, greatly appreciate your donation and your sacrifice. Your support helps to further our mission in helping local youth this holiday season through our “Shop with a Cop” program. Your support is invaluable to us, thank you again!
Citizens Bank and Trust - 3110 Alma Highway, Van Buren AR
479-474-1201
If your business would like to donate, please contact:
Officer Myers at 479-217-0220 or at [email protected]
Donations may be mailed to:
800 Fayetteville Road
Van Buren, AR 72956
ATTN: FOP SWAC

Branch Locations Main Location (479) 474-1201 3110 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR 72956 Lobby Hours:Mon-Thu 8:30am – 5pmFri 8:30am – 6pmSat 9am – NOON Drive ThruMon – Fri 8am – 6pmSat 8am – NOON Mortgage Loan ProductionMon – Fri 8:30am – 5pm Fax:(479) 474-4630 1st Floor(479) 410-1340 2n...

10/10/2023

Thank you, Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, for your great generosity. We, at the Van Buren Fraternal Order of Police along with our School Resource Officers, greatly appreciate your donation and your sacrifice. Your support helps to further our mission in helping local youth this holiday season through our “Shop with a Cop” program. Your support is invaluable to us, thank you again!
Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home - 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren
479-474-5081
If your business would like to donate, please contact:
Officer Myers at 479-217-0220 or at [email protected]
Donations may be mailed to:
800 Fayetteville Road
Van Buren, AR 72956
ATTN: FOP SWAC

Visit Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home to start planning a funeral or cremation today. Contact us to learn how to plan for yourself or someone you love.

10/06/2023

Thank you, Looper Auction and Realty, for your great generosity. We, at the Van Buren Fraternal Order of Police along with our School Resource Officers, greatly appreciate your donation and your sacrifice. Your support helps to further our mission in helping local youth this holiday season through our “Shop with a Cop” program. Your support is invaluable to us, thank you again!
Looper Auctions - 4535 Palestine Road, Huntington AR 72940
479-996-4848
If your business would like to donate, please contact:
Officer Myers at 479-217-0220 or at [email protected]
Donations may be mailed to:
800 Fayetteville Road
Van Buren, AR 72956
ATTN: FOP SWAC

Looper Auction & Realty has provided the highest quality auction service in the area. About Looper Auction Upcoming Auctions Previous Auctions Bid Now Online Over 40 Years of Business We Conduct 200 Auctions Yearly Estates, Liquidations, Farms, Real Estate and More! Properties Sell As-Is to Cash Buy...

10/04/2023

Thank you, Morrell Targets, for your great generosity. We, at the Van Buren Fraternal Order of Police along with our School Resource Officers, greatly appreciate your donation and your sacrifice. Your support helps to further our mission in helping local youth this holiday season through our “Shop with a Cop” program. Your support is invaluable to us, thank you again!
Morrell Targets - 1721 N Highway 71 Alma, AR
800-582-7438
If your business would like to donate, please contact:
Officer Myers at 479-217-0220 or at [email protected]
Donations may be mailed to:
800 Fayetteville Road
Van Buren, AR 72956
ATTN: FOP SWAC

Morrell Targets in Alma, AR - the Wolrds best-selling archery targets! Add some excitement to your next shooting experience with Morrell's world-renowned products like their famous Yellow Jacket targets! Visit our website to order yours today!

10/03/2023

Thank you, Medlock and Gramlich, for your great generosity. We, at the Van Buren Fraternal Order of Police along with our School Resource Officers, greatly appreciate your donation and your sacrifice. Your support helps to further our mission in helping local youth this holiday season through our “Shop with a Cop” program. Your support is invaluable to us, thank you again!
Medlock and Gramlich Law Firm - 910 Broadway St, Van Buren AR
479-474-1117
If your business would like to donate, please contact:
Officer Myers at 479-217-0220 or at [email protected]
Donations may be mailed to:
800 Fayetteville Road
Van Buren, AR 72956
ATTN: FOP SWAC

Mike Ellig Born May 8, 1946, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Graduated from Northside High School in 1964, graduated from the University of Arkansas, at Fayetteville, with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970 and the University of Arkansas School of Law with a Juris Doctorate degree in 1974. Judge for the....