Pictured Above: Jefferson Co. Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr., hoist law enforcement "thin blue line" flag to half-staff, while Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputies salute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Alicia Dorn

Communications Director/Public Information Officer

Office:870-541-5351/Cell:870-329-5638

Email: alicia.dorn@jeffcoso.org

SHERIFF WOODS ORDERS FLAGS TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF TO HONOR FALLEN STONE COUNTY DEPUTY: Jefferson County, AR - July 18, 2019 - Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. ordered that flags at the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center and Jack Jones Juvenile Justice Center along with a special “thin blue line” flag at the sheriff's office be flown at half-staff in memory of Stone County Deputy Sheriff Michael Stephen, 56, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic call in Stone County, Arkansas.

“I’ve directed flags be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for Stone County Deputy Sheriff Mikchael Stephen, who was killed in the line of duty on Thursday, July 18, 2019,” Woods announced.  “Deputy Stephen was a dedicated public servant, who performed his duties in a manner that brought honor to the entire law enforcement profession.”

Sheriff Woods reached out to Stone County Sheriff Lance Bonds by telephone following the death of Deputy Stephen to extend his condolences. 

"As you can imagine, everyone is still trying to process this horrific incident. Let us remember the service and life of Deputy Stephen as we offer our deepest condolences to the Stephen Family, Sheriff Bond, and the entire Stone County Sheriff's Office Family," Woods stated. 

“The flags should be flown at half-staff until Deputy Stephen is laid to rest,” Sheriff Woods concluded.

Deputy Stephen is the first Arkansas law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty this year.