FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Springdale Announces New Police Chief
Springdale, AR – January 7, 2025 – The City of Springdale is proud to announce the official appointment of Captain Derek Wright as the new Chief of Police for the Springdale Police Department, effective April 1, 2025, following the retirement of Chief Frank Gamble. Chief-Designate Wright brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and dedication to public service to this esteemed role.
Mayor Doug Sprouse expressed his confidence in the new appointment, stating, “After a thorough interview process and prayerful consideration, I am pleased to name Captain Derek Wright as the next Chief of Police. Chief-Designate Wright will continue the SPD’s proud tradition of exemplary service and leadership, ensuring the safety and trust of our community. I also want to thank outgoing Chief Frank Gamble for his dedicated service and invaluable guidance during this transition.”
Captain Derek Wright has dedicated his career to serving the Springdale Police Department since 2006. With over a decade of leadership experience, he has held the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain since 2013. Captain Wright demonstrated his commitment to innovation and community-focused policing by creating a full-time Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) aimed at improving outcomes during crisis situations. He further strengthened the department’s resources by initiating partnerships with universities and higher education institutions to develop a social work internship program that supports the CIT unit. Additionally, he established the Field Force Operations Unit to enhance departmental readiness and response capabilities.
Beyond his professional achievements, Captain Wright has shown a deep commitment to serving the community by volunteering on numerous committees and boards. These include the Council on Sexual Assault Response, CIT International Public Policy Advisory Committee, Judicial Equality for Mental Illness (NWA Chapter), and the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NWA Chapter), among others. Captain Wright holds a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Science degree in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and is a graduate of the prestigious School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University.
Mayor Sprouse extended his gratitude to the applicants and those involved in the selection process, saying, “I want to thank each of the highly qualified candidates who interviewed for the position of Chief, both from within and outside the department. Their willingness to invest their time and effort throughout this process is deeply appreciated and reflects the professionalism and excellence of the Springdale Police Department. I also want to thank the Springdale Civil Service Commission, the Springdale City Council, and our panel of interviewers for their valuable insights and input.”
Current Police Chief Frank Gamble also shared his thoughts on the transition, stating, “I am pleased with Mayor Sprouse’s decision to name Captain Derek Wright as the next Chief of Police for the Springdale Police Department. Captain Wright brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience and I look forward to working with him during this transition period. I have worked with him since he began his career with the Springdale Police Department in July of 2006. Captain Wright was promoted through the ranks from within the Springdale Police Department over the course of his career. I look forward to our partnership over the next couple of months so we can ensure a smooth transition at the Springdale Police Department. I am certain that Captain Wright will continue to serve the citizens of Springdale and the employees of the Springdale Police Department with dedication and fairness.”
Chief-Designate Wright also shared his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I am deeply honored and humbled by the Mayor’s decision to appoint me as the next Chief of Police for the City of Springdale. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Mayor for this opportunity and to those involved in the interview process for their time and commitment to selecting the best candidate for this important role. I also want to acknowledge the exceptional group of candidates considered for this position. Their dedication, experience, and passion for public service are a testament to the high standards of law enforcement, and I am honored to have been selected from such a distinguished group. Having served the Springdale Police Department for nearly two decades, I have seen firsthand the incredible commitment and sacrifice of our officers. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to lead this team as we continue to protect and serve our residents. Together, we will build upon the department’s strong foundation, focusing on innovation, community partnerships, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all. Springdale is more than where I work—it’s my home. I care deeply about this community, and I am excited to continue serving in this new role. I look forward to working with city leaders, community organizations, and residents to ensure Springdale remains a safe, welcoming, and thriving place for everyone. Thank you for this incredible opportunity.”
In his new role, Chief-Designate Wright will focus on enhancing public safety, strengthening community relationships, modernizing department operations, and addressing the unique challenges facing the Springdale community.
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About the City of Springdale | The City of Springdale is located at the northwest corner of the state of Arkansas. The city is the fourth-largest city in the state with nearly 90,000 residents. The mission of the City of Springdale is to provide quality services for the betterment of the health, safety, welfare, prosperity, comfort, and convenience of all persons in the City of Springdale, Arkansas. Learn more about Springdale, Arkansas by visiting www.springdalear.gov.
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