Billy Yant
He worked for the Helena-West Helena Fire Department. He transitioned into police work and became a Helena West Helena Police Officer. He next spent a stint working as a deputy sheriff with the Phillips County Sheriff’s Department before working security and other safety related jobs.
Billy cared about his fellow-man. He made every effort to stand between them and danger. He did it as a firefighter, police officer, deputy sheriff and safety officer.
On August 29, 2010, Billy transitioned from Earth to eternity. After a report that he could not be found, a search was begun. The car that Billy was last known to drive was found at Storm Creek Lake in the St. Francis National Forest just north of our city limits. There were signs that caused immediate concern to the officers upon arriving at the Storm Creek fishing area.
The Phillips County Sheriff’s Department was notified and took the lead on the investigation. Additionally, the investigation included the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, The U. S. Forestry Service, and the Helena West Helena Police Department. It is this kind of cooperation that makes a person proud to have such a great group of law enforcement officials working in our community.
These law enforcement personnel made every effort to locate Billy Yant and bring him home safely. However, late in the afternoon, Billy was found in Storm Creek lifeless. No cause of death has been presented. The Phillips County Coroner and other law enforcement agencies will continue their investigation in an effort to determine the cause of death.
His family was notified of his death late yesterday evening. No funeral arrangements have been announced at this time.
I feel certain that your kind thoughts and prayers will be greatly appreciated by Billy’s family.
