Fort Smith, Ark. – Fort Smith Police Officer Kyle Newman was presented with the Invictus Award by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST) during a ceremony held Thursday, July 30, recognizing his courage and determination following the May 17, 2026, shooting that nearly claimed his life.
The ceremony, held in the Community Room of the Fort Smith Police Department, also honored the coordinated efforts of the many first responders whose actions played a critical role in Newman’s survival.
Officer Newman was joined by fellow law enforcement officers, emergency telecommunicators, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and the Mercy Life Flight crew who responded the night he was shot. Fort Smith Police Chief Danny Baker recognized each of them for their professionalism, compassion, and commitment, emphasizing that every part of the emergency response contributed to giving Newman the chance to recover.
“Officer Newman represents everything the Invictus Award stands for,” Baker said. “His courage on May 17 and the determination he has shown throughout his recovery have inspired this department and our entire community. We are grateful to CLEST for recognizing Kyle with this well-deserved honor.”
The chief also praised the teamwork displayed by first responders from multiple agencies, saying the ceremony was not only about honoring Newman but also recognizing the individuals whose quick actions made a life-saving difference.
“This is a day for Arkansas to be proud of Kyle and the many heroes who brought him home,” Baker added.
Those recognized during the ceremony included officers from the Fort Smith Police Department, telecommunicators from River Valley 911, paramedics and emergency personnel with Fort Smith EMS, the Mercy Life Flight crew, troopers with the Arkansas State Police, deputies from the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, and firefighters from the Fort Smith Fire Department.
The Invictus Award is presented by CLEST to recognize exceptional courage and perseverance demonstrated by Arkansas law enforcement officers in the face of extraordinary adversity. The award reflects not only Newman’s actions during the incident but also his continued determination throughout his recovery.
The shooting occurred on May 17 while Newman was responding to a call in Fort Smith. He sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital after receiving emergency medical treatment at the scene. Authorities have previously credited the rapid, coordinated response by dispatchers, fellow officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and the flight crew with helping save his life.
In the months since the shooting, Newman has continued his recovery while receiving overwhelming support from fellow officers, first responders, and members of the Fort Smith community. Community fundraisers, public events, and messages of encouragement have highlighted the widespread appreciation for his service and determination.
Thursday’s ceremony served as another milestone in that recovery, recognizing both Newman’s resilience and the extraordinary teamwork displayed by first responders from across western Arkansas.
The Fort Smith Police Department said it remains deeply grateful to everyone who answered the call on May 17 and to the community members who have continued to support Officer Newman throughout his recovery journey.