Larry "Pudge" Williams announces for Sheriff

Larry "Pudge" Williams is announcing his candidacy for Sheriff of Mississippi County. Williams is a lifelong resident of Mississippi County, growing up in Dyess and currently residing in Manila. Williams and his wife Rena have been married 35 years and have one son and one granddaughter. He is a 1977 graduate of Rivercrest High School and a 1983 graduate of Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in East Camden.

Williams is currently the Patrol Division commander for the Mississippi County Sheriff's Department and has served with six different sheriffs during his 30 years in law enforcement.

Williams started his law enforcement career under Sheriff George Ford in 1982 and has worked for every sheriff since that time. He spent 14 years working for the Osceola Police Department from 1985 to 1999. He worked for the Manila Police Department from 1999 to 2008. In 2008, the late Sheriff Leroy Meadows brought Williams back to the Mississippi County Sheriff's Department as the Patrol Division lieutenant.

"I have spent my life in public service as a law enforcement officer," Williams said. "I am running for the office because I have long desired the opportunity to serve the residents of Mississippi County as their sheriff. I am experienced and have a strong desire to improve the Mississippi County Sheriff's Department so the residents of our county are provided with professional and dedicated law enforcement. I firmly believe in the fair application of the law and believe every citizen, regardless of race, creed, religion, or standing in their community, deserve to be treated as equals and receive the same treatment from those with the duty to protect them."