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."
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).
Helder 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.
"The fact that it comes right before the candidate filing deadline isn't good for the Democratic process," said Evelyn Rios Stafford, District 12 Justice of the Peace. "The sheriff endorsed a handpicked successor. This is an elected office where the public is supposed to decide but there's very little time for someone else to consider running."
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.
"Basically left it up to him as far as when do you want me to announce," said Helder. "This wasn't a hoodwink or anything like that."
"By serving for 18-years as sheriff, I think that's a long tenure and an incredibly stressful job," said Patrick Deakins, District 5 Washington County Justice of the Peace."Washington County just owes him a great debt of gratitude for what he's done for our county."
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