Endorsements
Dear Friends,
Gerald Robinson, our current sheriff will be retiring at the end of his seventh term in 2018 and soon join me in retirement. Following my retirement after having served as the 30th Sheriff of Jefferson County, Arkansas from 1999-2006, I witnessed great growth in the sheriff’s office under the leadership of Sheriff Robinson. During his and my tenure in the office as Sheriff, there has been tremendous changes in law enforcement. Although our counties population has not seen an increase, we still suffer from the commission of various crimes throughout our county. As the 10th largest of 75 counties in Arkansas geographically, the sheriff’s office and law enforcement partners alike have a great responsibility. We will need an experienced, knowledgeable person to lead the sheriff’s office and keep our community safe from threats and acts of violence.
Due in part to Major Woods’ leadership, work ethic, and professionalism, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has experienced a wealth of positive changes. These positive changes have steered the department in a forward moving direction and resulted in an increased level of services being provided to all citizens. Although now retired, I remain vigilant about public safety and understand how vital it is for our community. I have known Major Woods for well over a decade and know he will continue to maintain the high standards in which the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is held. The relationships built by Major Woods with the other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Marshals Office just to name a few, continue to improve the strong spirit of cooperation that must exist in order to achieve the common goal of maintaining safety. Major Woods' years of experience in public safety, community policing, and public relations will continue to be a valuable asset. Major Woods has also made many innovative changes in the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office due to his knowledge and foresight.
With our economy in a difficult position, we need a sheriff who can fill this position and build on the successes of past sheriff’s without any new learning curve or on the job training. Major Woods has the necessary ability to lead the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. For that reason, I endorse Major Lafayette Woods, Jr. for the position of Sheriff of Jefferson County. Let’s continue the tradition of excellence and support Major Lafayette Woods, Jr for our next Jefferson County Sheriff.
Sincerely,
Edward Lewis "Boe" Fontaine, Retired
30th Sheriff of Jefferson County
"I am proud to endorse Major Lafayette Woods in his run to serve as Jefferson County Sheriff, because he prepared, qualified and more than ready lead our sheriff's office with thirteen years of experience under his belt. I am excited about the new generation of leadership in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County that Major Woods' election will help usher in!"
- State Representative Vivian Flowers
District 17
As Pine Bluff Ward 4 City Council Member, it is with great pride and confidence that I extend my strongest endorsement to Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. for re-election to a third term as Jefferson County Sheriff.
Sheriff Woods is a distinguished native son of Jefferson County, born, raised, and educated here. His academic achievements, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University, speak to his commitment to both education and leadership. His extensive law enforcement training through prestigious institutions such as the FBI’s Arkansas Leader program, the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy, and the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, combined with his senior law enforcement certification, position him as an exemplary professional dedicated to public safety.
Since being elected in 2018, Sheriff Woods has demonstrated unwavering dedication to protecting the citizens of Jefferson County. His successful career spans key roles in patrol, drug task forces, and collaboration with the DEA, earning rapid promotions through the ranks due to his leadership and integrity. His appointment to the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST) by Governors Asa Hutchinson and Sarah Huckabee Sanders further attests to his exemplary reputation statewide and his commitment to advancing the professionalism and competency of law enforcement officers across Arkansas.
Sheriff Woods’ active involvement in community organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, Rotary Club, Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, and several law enforcement associations, highlights his deep connection to the community he serves. His leadership within the NAACP and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, where he currently serves as Polemarch for the Pine Bluff Alumni Chapter, further exemplifies his dedication to service, justice, and equity.
Jefferson County is fortunate to have a Sheriff who is not only highly qualified but also compassionate, ethical, and visionary. I strongly encourage every citizen in Jefferson County to support Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. in his campaign for a third term to continue the outstanding public safety services and community leadership he provides.
- Alderman Bruce Lockett
Pine Bluff City Council-Ward 4
___________________________________________________________________________________
Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel
"Major Lafayette Woods, Jr. is professional and dedicated to protecting the safety and rights of the people of Jefferson County. He will be an excellent Sheriff, and I'm proud to support him."
- Dustin McDaniel, Esq
Former Arkansas Attorney General
Connect With Us