Arkadelphia officer named Clark County Officer of the Year

PHOTO: APD Sgt. Dean Palmer, center, is pictured with Clark County Sheriff Jason Watson, left, and Arkadelphia Police Chief Jason “Shorty” Jackson at a luncheon hosted by the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office. | Courtesy photo

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas – Arkadelphia Police Department Sgt. Dean Palmer was among dozens of law enforcement officers across the state who were honored by Attorney General Tim Griffin.

Tapped for the honor by Arkadelphia Police Chief Jason “Shorty” Jackson and Clark County Sheriff Jason Watson, Palmer’s lengthy career, which spans nearly three decades, was the reason he was chosen as Clark County’s lawman of the year.

“He’s one of those guys who is always where you need him, when you need him there, and always knows what to do,” Chief Jackson said. “Sergeant Palmer has a calm demeanor, he’s fair to all, and he’s taught a bunch of officers how to do the job right and to do it for the right reasons.”

Palmer’s career in law enforcement began 27 1/2 years ago at APD. He has worked part-time for other agencies during that time, as well.

Griffin’s office hosted the 2024 Officer of the Year Awards luncheon, commending recipients afterward for their dedication to public service.

“Each year we honor the service, sacrifice and dedication of Arkansas’s law enforcement with the Officer of the Year Awards,” Griffin said. “The men and women we’ve recognized today have shown outstanding courage and commitment to their communities in the past year. As we celebrate the ways they have gone above and beyond to keep Arkansans safe, we honor not just these few, but all law enforcement officers.”