09/09/2026
The Office of Mayor Doug Sprouse joins the Springdale Police Department and our entire community in mourning the passing of former Springdale Police Chief Mike Blocker.
Chief Blocker dedicated his life to public service - first serving our country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and later devoting more than 27 years of service in various capacities to the City of Springdale.
Throughout his remarkable career, he served our community as a police officer, investigator, attorney, prosecutor and, ultimately, Chief of Police. His leadership, professionalism and commitment to justice helped shape the Springdale Police Department and left a lasting impact on the community he faithfully served.
Chief Blocker’s legacy is one of service, leadership and dedication to others. We are grateful for the many years he gave to Springdale and for the example he leaves for future generations of public servants.
Mayor Sprouse and the Mayor’s Office extend our deepest condolences to his entire family, his friends, and his law enforcement family.
We honor his life, remember his service and thank him for all he gave to the City of Springdale.
The Springdale Police Department joins our community in remembering and honoring former Chief of Police Mike Blocker, whose life was defined by service to his country, his community, and the law enforcement profession.
Chief Blocker graduated from Ozark High School in 1966 before joining the United States Air Force and serving in Vietnam. Following his military service, he began his law enforcement career with the Fort Smith Police Department before joining the Springdale Police Department in 1972.
During his career with SPD, Chief Blocker rose through the ranks and served in numerous leadership roles, including Lieutenant and head of the Criminal Investigation Division. He led CID during one of the darkest moments in our department’s history: the line-of-duty death of Officer John Hussey in December 1975. Co-worker, partner, and friend, Jeff Harper stated that Blocker was CSI before there was CSI. He remembered that while working a homicide scene, then Detective Blocker was cutting carpet from the house to collect blood samples; Harper, who was riding out, asked what he was doing, and Blocker stated [in Blocker fashion], “Let the evidence tell the story.” This still holds true with our department. In 1979, he furthered his law enforcement education by graduating from the FBI National Academy.
Chief Blocker’s commitment to service extended well beyond the badge. While serving as a police officer and raising a family, he continued his education and graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1985. He later served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office and worked with the cities of Springdale, Elkins, Johnson, and Elm Springs.
In 1998, Mike Blocker returned to lead the Springdale Police Department as Chief of Police, serving until his retirement in 2002. In total, he dedicated more than 27 years of service in various capacities to the City of Springdale.
Chief Blocker leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the positions and titles he held. He was a veteran, police officer, investigator, attorney, prosecutor, police chief, husband, father, and public servant whose contributions helped shape both our department and our community.
We extend our deepest condolences to his children, Eric, Tracy, Andi, Dan, and Mike, as well as his entire family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
Chief Blocker, thank you for a lifetime of service. Your legacy will remain a part of the Springdale Police Department for generations to come.
