Major Dennis Kendall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

La'Kyla Watts 

Public Information Officer  

OFFICE: 870-541-5351

Email: lmarion@jeffersoncountyarsheriff.gov

Jefferson County, Arkansas (Pine Bluff), January 20, 2026 - Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr., who is committed to fostering professional development and recognizing excellence within the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO), today announced the promotion of Lieutenant Dennis Kendall to the rank of Major of Operations, effective immediately.

Major Kendall began his law enforcement career with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in 2008. In 2018, he left the agency to work with the U.S. Department of Defense before returning to JCSO in 2022. Upon his return, he was assigned to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)- Little Rock District Office, Diversion Control Division, where he served as a Diversion Investigator Task Force Officer. In this role, he supported investigations focused on preventing, detecting, and investigating the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals and listed chemicals from legitimate sources while helping ensure uninterrupted access for lawful medical, commercial, and scientific needs.

Prior to his DEA assignment, Major Kendall served as an investigator with the JCSO-managed Tri-County Drug Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), where he advanced through leadership positions from Sergeant to Lieutenant before today's promotion.

As Major of Operations, Kendall will provide command-level oversight of daily operations and ensure that JCSO personnel continues to maintain high standards in training, continuing education, certification readiness, and leadership development, keeping the agency prepared, qualified, and mission-ready.

Sheriff Woods stated, "Major Kendall has earned this promotion through consistent performance, a commitment to professional growth, and the trust and respect of his colleagues. He brings proven investigative expertise, operational readiness, and strong leadership to ensure our agency continues moving forward, trained, prepared, and focused on excellence."

Major Kendall is a graduate of Arkansas LEADER and an active member of the JCSO Special Response Team (SRT), with training in impact, chemical, aerosol, and flash-bang munitions. He is also completing his private pilot's license and will serve as the primary pilot for the JCSO Aviation Wing.

Throughout his career, Major Kendall has pursued advanced training, including Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), Security and Privacy Training, and the Tactical Energetic Entry Systems Command, Control, and Leadership School. He holds multiple professional certifications, including Certified Law Enforcement Instructor, Certified Firearm Instructor, GLOCK Pistol Armorer, and Remington Model 870 Shotgun Armorer, and is a certified diver trained in black-water and swift-water rescue.

Sheriff Woods added, "We are proud to celebrate Major Kendall's well-earned promotion. His dedication, professionalism, and leadership set a strong example for the entire agency. Congratulations to Major Kendall on this achievement. We look forward to seeing the continued positive impact he will have on the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and the community we serve."

Congratulations to Major Dennis Kendall !