Gary Crain to Retire After 45 Years at UAPD; Reception Friday

Kinzie Ameling

Join us in celebrating Captain Crain's remarkable career at his retirement party!

After 45 years of service, Capt. Gary Crain of the U of A Police Department has announced his retirement. Crain has played an integral role in shaping the campus' safety and security landscape. 

UAPD invites the community to bid farewell and celebrate the remarkable career of Capt. Crain at his retirement party. The event is scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at the Arkansas Union's Verizon Ballroom. It's an opportunity to express gratitude for Crain's decades of service and wish him well in his next chapter. 

Starting as a patrol officer in 1978, Crain ascended to the rank of police sergeant in 1985, responsible for overseeing shifts. He serves as captain of support services and public information officer. In his current role, Crain manages a diverse array of responsibilities, including handling student, media and Freedom of Information Act requests. Additionally, he provides crucial technical support for the department, supervises key personnel and continues to serve as the CLERY coordinator. 

"Capt. Crain has been instrumental to our success, as his wisdom and background knowledge of our department are irreplaceable. We'll miss him greatly," Chief Stephen Gahagans said. "He is still residing in Northwest Arkansas, and we believe he will agree to be a volunteer in the future whenever we need him…but he doesn't know that yet." 

Curious to learn more about Crain's journey and contributions to UAPD? Explore Crain's recent profile in Arkansas News to gain insights into Capt. Crain's impactful career. 

The UAPD community extends its gratitude to Capt. Crain for his unwavering commitment and wishes him a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement. He leaves behind the legacy of a true campus safety pioneer.