Jefferson County Sheriff’s Capt. Mark Harper has retired after 29 years of service, the sheriff’s office has announced.
Harper’s official last day was Dec. 31.
He was treated to a retirement celebration on Thursday, where he was surrounded by family, friends and coworkers.
“The captain title sets the tone for the division,” Woods said, according to a news release.
“The captain holds the standards and the captain makes sure the mission stays the same, especially when things get tough, and Captain Mark Harper did exactly that throughout his years of service.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Harper’s law enforcement career began Jan. 26, 1996, when he joined the sheriff’s office as a member of the reserve unit.
He went to work at the Jefferson County Juvenile Detention Center in 1998.
He then went back to the sheriff’s office in 2004 when he became a full-time deputy that was assigned to the patrol division.
Harper steadily advanced through the ranks, being promoted to corporal in 2007 then sergeant in 2012.
He left for the Grant County sheriff’s office in 2015 but returned to Jefferson County as captain over the patrol division in 2019, serving as division commander.
He was responsible for leading patrol operations, setting standards, and ensuring the mission of the sheriff’s office remained consistent and effective, according to the release.
“Throughout his career, Captain Harper worked alongside countless workers who consistently described him as dependable, dedicated and always willing to help,” the news release reads.
“Many shared that he treated everyone equally, led with integrity, and fostered a family-oriented environment within the department. His willingness to mentor, support, and serve others made a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of working with him.”
Harper’s sons, Brandon and Thomas, are deputies in Jefferson County.
“The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is sincerely thankful for Captain Mark Harper’s years of dedication, leadership and motivation,” according to the news release.
“We appreciate the opportunity to have worked alongside him and are grateful for the positive impact he has made on the department and the community throughout his career.”