Two Arkansas State Troopers were promoted to the rank of sergeant Wednesday during a regularly scheduled meeting of the Arkansas State Police Commission.

The recommendations for promotion were approved by the commissioners after considering the recommendations from Colonel Bill Bryant, state police director.

The Arkansas State Police is a division of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety. Corporal Rockey Rapert, 38, of Poinsett County, was promoted to the rank of sergeant.  He is a thirteen-year veteran of the department.  Sergeant Rapert will assume post supervisory duties within the department’s Highway Patrol Division, Troop C, in Craighead and Poinsett Counties, headquartered at Jonesboro.

Special Agent (Corporal) Josh Heckel, 38, of Garland County, was promoted to the rank of sergeant.  He is an eleven year veteran of the department.  S/A (Sergeant) Heckel will assume supervisory duties within the department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Company F, headquartered at Jonesboro.