Ray Shastid stepped away from the microphone Friday at the Bentonville Police Department, closing out his last call as police chief after 23 years with the force. The room gathered to honor his service as he signed off from his badge and uniform, marking the end of a career marked by leadership roles from K-9 handler to SWAT commander and, most recently, chief.
Shastid joined the Bentonville Police Department in 2003, working his way up through the ranks with a steady presence in operations and critical incidents. Before his promotion to chief in September 2021, he led the department’s Operations Division, a role that underscored his hands-on approach to law enforcement. His tenure as chief followed Jon Simpson’s departure and brought a steadying hand during a period of continued growth for the department.
The retirement celebration drew colleagues, city officials, and community members who praised Shastid for his dedication, especially in challenging moments. Bentonville Mayor cite relevant name if available highlighted Shastid’s passion and calm in “heartbreaking situations,” qualities that earned him deep respect within the department and the wider community.
Stepping into the role of chief is Glynn Bertrand, who stood alongside Shastid during the ceremony. Bertrand inherits the reins as Bentonville continues to navigate the complexities of modern policing amid a growing population and evolving community needs.
Bertrand’s appointment signals continuity. Like Shastid, Bertrand brings extensive experience within the department and a familiarity with its operations and culture. The transition is seamless, underscoring Bentonville’s commitment to steady leadership and community-centered policing as it faces the challenges of a dynamic city.
During Friday’s event, those present noted Shastid’s long history of frontline involvement and mentorship within the department. His background includes time as a sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and in tactical roles that shaped his comprehensive understanding of law enforcement’s impact on community safety and officer wellbeing.
Several officers recalled Shastid’s ability to balance the demands of the badge with a human touch, emphasizing his unwavering support during difficult calls and his focus on building trust between police and residents. His tenure coincided with Bentonville’s expansion as a regional hub, which brought new pressures and expectations to the police force.
As Bentonville grows, so does its police force’s responsibility to keep pace, a challenge that Bertrand acknowledged during his first address as chief. His priorities include sustaining the department’s community relationships, enhancing training, and continuing Shastid’s legacy of operational excellence.
Shastid’s retirement marks a shift after two decades that witnessed Bentonville’s transformation from a small city into a vibrant municipality with increasing demands on public safety resources. His leadership styles combined strategic oversight with frontline experience, guiding officers through complex emergencies and routine patrols alike.
Throughout his career, Shastid also served outside Bentonville, with time in the U.S. Marshals Service adding a federal dimension to his law enforcement perspective. This breadth of experience informed his approach to departmental leadership and interagency coordination.
While his departure closes one chapter, those who worked alongside Shastid expressed confidence that his impact will endure in Bentonville’s approach to policing and community engagement.
Friday’s gathering was not just a farewell but a deliberate passing of the torch. As Shastid walked out, his arms full of plaques, commendations, and tokens of gratitude, the focus shifted toward the future under Bertrand’s guidance.
The transition aligns with broader conversations happening across Northwest Arkansas about public safety, accountability, and community trust. Bentonville’s steady leadership shifts serve as a local example of how departments adapt while maintaining strong ties to the communities they serve.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
