Longtime Jefferson County Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff passes away

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Public Statement from the Office of the Sheriff

LONGTIME JEFFERSON COUNTY AUXILIARY DEPUTY SHERIFF PASSESS AWAY:  Jefferson County, Arkansas - December 30, 2023 - It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of one of our own, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff, Harvey Jones, at the age of 74. Deputy Jones passed away earlier today, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, service, and honor.

Deputy Jones joined the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office family on December 22, 2014, as an auxiliary deputy assigned to the Reserve/Marine Unit. His commitment to public service began in 1974 when he started his initial law enforcement career as a full-time police officer with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Department of Public Safety. Rising through the ranks, Deputy Jones achieved the distinguished position of captain during his tenure at UAPB.

Before joining our agency, Deputy Jones served the Wabbeseka Police Department from September 3, 2013, to January 19, 2014. Prior to that, he contributed to the Arkansas Department of Corrections from 1972 to 1974. His dedication to professional development was evident as he accumulated hundreds of hours of law enforcement training, culminating in the award of his Senior Law Enforcement Training Certificate on April 2, 1992, by Arkansas' Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST). This prestigious certificate is issued to qualifying law enforcement officers who have previously been issued their Advanced Certificate and have acquired a combination of postsecondary education, including a bachelor's degree, along with at least 560 training hours and nine years of service.

Deputy Jones, a graduate of Fields High School in Gould, Arkansas, Class of 1968, continued his pursuit of knowledge and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from UAPB. His commitment to excellence, both academically and professionally, was a testament to his character.

Harvey Jones served faithfully, embodying the principles of integrity, courage, and selflessness. His contributions to our community will forever be etched in the annals of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. We extend our deepest condolences to the Jones Family during this difficult time, and our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn the loss of a beloved member of our law enforcement family.

Funeral arrangements will be communicated as soon as they are available. In the meantime, we ask that you keep Deputy Jones' family in your thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Lafayette Woods, Jr.
Sheriff