Pioneer Day activities in Melbourne over the weekend were well attended and went off without a hitch.  Sheriff Tate Lawrence said that Friday night activities were well attended as were Saturday and Saturday night events. Because of some changes made to this year events, organizers provided for a safer environment, greatly reducing the  likelihood of accidents and potential injuries. Not one single arrest was necessary during the celebration of Pioneer Days.

Sheriff Lawrence said  the sheriff’s department utilized the services of department’s reserve deputies. These reserve deputies allow us to  adequately staff for the  events of this annual celebration while allowing  the sheriff’s department to maintain coverage and a presence in all of the county during such events. They are also used for other events such as parades and special days at Calico Rock. Lawrence noted that these volunteer reserve deputies are trained in accordance with the standards  established by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standard and Training. 

These volunteers receive no salary or wages for the performance of their duties. The services they provide are at absolutely no cost to the county. These reserve officers  include Jeff Sanders of Calico Rock, Chris Haley of Calico Rock.  Richard Williams  of Zion, Tim Whitehurst of Melbourne, Y.D. Whitehurst of the Lunenburg community, Betty Vest of Melbourne, Carlene Hill of Oxford, Shane Farmer of Melbourne, Ed Sollock of Melbourne, and Mike Heitman of Horseshoe Bend..

Sheriff Lawrence said that he would like to thank everyone in attendance to Pioneer Days for their  great cooperation.

News Release

For Immediate Release

May 7, 2012

POC: Sheriff Tate Lawrence

870 368 4203