Lowell Police Chief Dies
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: May 4, 2012
The Lowell police chief has died nearly a week after being critically injured in a motorcycle crash.
Chief Joe Landers had been on vacation in Panama City, Florida when the crash happened last Friday night.
He died around one o'clock this morning.
A press release from the city of Lowell stated that Chief Landers was surrounded by his family, who said he was comfortable and his passing was peaceful.
The family also expressed they were very touched by the outpouring of support from both the members of law enforcement and the entire community.
Officials said Chief Landers was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and had suffered severe head trauma.
Lowell is in Benton County. Flags across the city will be lowered to half staff in his memory.
Lowell Mayor Eldon Long says "In the days to come we serve this city together and we will face this and come out of this a stronger community...it's difficult in a time like this to be able to find the words to say."
U.S. Senator John Boozman issued the following statement on Landers' death:
"I am saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Chief Landers. Joe dedicated his life to public safety and his work made a great impact on the community of Lowell. He was well-respected by the citizens of Lowell and his presence will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Third District Congressman Steve Womack also released a statement about Chief Landers:
"I'm saddened to learn of Chief Landers' passing. He was an example of the quality and dedication of those committed to public service. His impact on law enforcement and his community was felt throughout the region, and he was one of those people who made Northwest Arkansas such a special place.
"Today, I join the people of Northwest Arkansas as we say goodbye to both a friend and a leader Our thoughts and prayers are with the Landers family at this time. Joe will be sorely missed."
Chief Joe Landers had been on vacation in Panama City, Florida when the crash happened last Friday night.
He died around one o'clock this morning.
A press release from the city of Lowell stated that Chief Landers was surrounded by his family, who said he was comfortable and his passing was peaceful.
The family also expressed they were very touched by the outpouring of support from both the members of law enforcement and the entire community.
Officials said Chief Landers was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and had suffered severe head trauma.
Lowell is in Benton County. Flags across the city will be lowered to half staff in his memory.
Lowell Mayor Eldon Long says "In the days to come we serve this city together and we will face this and come out of this a stronger community...it's difficult in a time like this to be able to find the words to say."
U.S. Senator John Boozman issued the following statement on Landers' death:
"I am saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Chief Landers. Joe dedicated his life to public safety and his work made a great impact on the community of Lowell. He was well-respected by the citizens of Lowell and his presence will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Third District Congressman Steve Womack also released a statement about Chief Landers:
"I'm saddened to learn of Chief Landers' passing. He was an example of the quality and dedication of those committed to public service. His impact on law enforcement and his community was felt throughout the region, and he was one of those people who made Northwest Arkansas such a special place.
"Today, I join the people of Northwest Arkansas as we say goodbye to both a friend and a leader Our thoughts and prayers are with the Landers family at this time. Joe will be sorely missed."
