Sheriff's Statement on the death of Sergeant Joshua Caudell

Today is a very sad day for the State of Arkansas and the entire law enforcement community.  Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) Sergeant Joshua Caudell was shot and killed in the line of duty.  Sergeant Caudell was a 10-year veteran of the Arkansas Department of Corrections and a sworn law enforcement officer assigned to ADC's K-9 Unit.

As Sheriff of Jefferson County, I extend my deepest condolences on behalf of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Arkansas Department of Corrections Sergeant Joshua Caudell.

Sgt. Caudell, 29, was killed in the line of duty this morning, while attempting to apprehend a suspect.

"Sgt. Caudell, along with fellow ADC K-9 Unit personnel displayed an immense capacity for responding to the aid of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office when called upon.  The professionalism exhibited and assistance provided by Sergeant Caudell on an ongoing basis was invaluable in furthering the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office mission.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Caudell Family as well as our Arkansas Department of Corrections Family, who along with our agency benefited from Sgt. Caudell's loyalty and commitment to public safety."

Sergeant Caudell is survived by his wife and three (3) children.

"We pause in our normal operations to mourn with the Caudell Family and the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Sergeant Caudell died a hero and his selfless sacrifice while protecting the community he served will always be remembered." 

The flags at Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, W.C. "Dub" Brassell Adult Detention Center, and Jack Jones Juvenile Justice Center will be lowered to half-staff in honor of Sergeant Caudell's memory, bravery, and making the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety of those he was sworn to protect.  The flag shall be lowered immediately and remain at half-staff to the day of interment.

Sincerely,

Lafayette Woods, Jr.
Sheriff