On the 16th day of November 2008 at approximately 1 am, the Cleburne County Sheriff?s Office along with Quitman/Cove Creek first responders, were dispatched to a helicopter crash in the area of Sawmill road South that claimed the life of Arkansas Game and Fish Officer Sergeant Monty Carmikle. The pilot Jerry Fryar was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released. Sergeant Carmikle and other Game and Fish Officers were working a routine nighttime hunting operation. The NTSB and FAA were contacted and arrived at the scene at approximately 7 am to begin their investigation into the cause of the crash. The helicopter was removed later in the day and taken to a hanger where the investigation will continue. Sheriff Marty Moss said the law enforcement community of the State and Cleburne County lost a great officer and friend; he was always there for us when we needed him. Our prayers are with his family, he will be missed.
