Two state police commanders received recommendations for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel today during a meeting of the Arkansas State Police Commission. The recommendations were presented by Colonel Mike Hagar, State Police Director, and approved by the commissioners.

Major Jason Aaron, 48, of Faulkner County, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and will assume the position of Deputy Director of Field Operations for the department.

Lieutenant Colonel Aaron is a 25-year veteran of the department and had previously been assigned as the commander of the Highway Patrol Division.

Captain Mike Kennedy, 48, of Saline County, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and will assume the position of Deputy Director of Administrative Operations for the department.

Lieutenant Colonel Kennedy is a 29-year veteran of the department and had previously been assigned as commander of the Executive Protection Unit in Little Rock.

Also approved today was the promotion of Captain Ron Casey, 56, of Grant County, who was promoted to the rank of Major.

Major Casey is a 30-year veteran of the department and has most recently been assigned as commander of Highway Patrol, Troop K. Major Casey will immediately assume command of the Highway Patrol Division.