Conference Planning Committee (ICPC) Vice-Chair
Marketing & Partnership Committee Member
Council Member since 2025
Current Term expires in 2027
Arkansas, USA
Sergeant Carmen Helton has been actively involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) since 1999, bringing more than two decades of passion and leadership to the movement. Her involvement began as a natural extension of her commitment to community engagement and service, and it quickly became a defining part of her career. Throughout her time with LETR, Carmen has served in multiple leadership roles, including Central Arkansas Coordinator and Treasurer for the Arkansas Law Enforcement Torch Run Council. She currently serves as a Council Appointee on the LETR International Executive Council, Vice-Chair of the International Conference Planning Committee, and a member of the Partnership and Outreach Subcommittee. She has played a key role in planning and coordinating fundraising initiatives and events that promote awareness, inclusion, and meaningful community connections. Carmen is deeply inspired by the athletes, whose strength, joy, and resilience continue to fuel her commitment to the LETR mission.
With over 26 years of law enforcement experience, Carmen serves as a Sergeant with the North Little Rock Police Department. Her career spans a wide range of assignments, including Public Information Officer, FOIA specialist, Patrol Sergeant, Training Officer, and Recruiter. She brings expertise in public information and media relations, crisis communication, leadership and supervision, and community engagement. Carmen has extensive experience managing critical incidents, working collaboratively with local, state, and federal partners, and leading operational teams. She has also dedicated significant time to mentoring officers, overseeing training programs, and strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Carmen also serves as a Commissioner on the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, having been appointed by former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. In this role, she contributes to initiatives that promote service, education, and community unity across the state.
Carmen holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with double minors in History and Community Health Promotions from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, as well as an Associate Degree in General Studies from Kankakee Community College. She has earned numerous certifications, including Senior Law Enforcement Certificate, FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Leadership Training, Certified Law Enforcement Instructor, and Certified Field Training Officer, along with over 2,500 hours of law enforcement training. Carmen is also a member of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.