After nearly 18 years, Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder announced he will be retiring after 2022 and two candidates are already being confirmed.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder is retiring after nearly 18 years.
Helder announced his retirement Monday, Feb. 28 afternoon. He has been in law enforcement for 43 years. His retirement goes into effect on Jan. 1. 2023.
“Holly and I want to thank the citizens of Washington County for their support, confidence and friendship,” Helder wrote in a statement released to 5NEWS. “Having had the opportunity to serve alongside those who make the Washington County Sheriff’s Office the gold standard has been a great honor.”
Helder says the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) has been preparing leaders internally to “take the reins.”
He went on to endorse Chief Jay Cantrell as the next sheriff. Chief Cantrell is married to the Public Relations Director for the WCSO, Kelly Cantrell.
So far, Chief Cantrell is one of two Republican candidates vying for the open spot.
Helder says the job is taxing, especially with ongoing fights over funding, jail overcrowding and the jail making national news with inmates being prescribed ivermectin.
He says he really wanted to settle down and spend more time with his family. Helder says he wanted to let family, friends and coworkers know ahead of time before making it public.
Jennifer Price with Washington County Election Commission confirmed to 5NEWS the two candidates for Washington County Sheriff are Jovey Mel Marshall (R) and Jay Cantrell (R).
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Read More:Washington Co. Sheriff Tim Helder retiring.
2022-03-01 00:33:45
