Arkansas Department of Public Safety Secretary/State Police Director, Colonel Mike Hagar (left), Director of the Criminal Justice Institute, Dr. Cheryl P. May (right) presents a certificate to Jefferson County Sheriff's Office DTF Commander, Captain Yohance Brunson (center) at graduation from Arkansas Leader 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Major John Bean

Office: 870.541.5351 / Cell: 870.329.5638

Email:  john.bean@jeffcoso.org

Sheriff's Office Commander recent graduate from State Program:  Jefferson County, Arkansas - July 19, 2024- The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is proud to announce that Captain Yohance Brunson, Commander of the Tri-County Drug Task Force, has graduated from the prestigious Arkansas Leader, Session XXXII. The Arkansas Leader program is an executive management course sponsored annually by the Criminal Justice Institute-University of Arkansas System and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Captain Brunson was one of 30 law enforcement leaders selected to attend this esteemed program.

Captain Brunson's law enforcement career began on August 11, 2000, with the Pine Bluff Police Department. He completed the Arkansas Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA) on December 15, 2000. He joined the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) on December 1, 2002, initially serving in the Uniformed Patrol Division as a Deputy Sheriff. His exceptional talent and unwavering commitment quickly became apparent, leading to his lateral transfer to the Tri-County Drug Task Force (DTF) on April 7, 2003, as a Criminal Investigator.

Throughout his tenure, Captain Brunson has consistently demonstrated remarkable leadership and a profound dedication to public safety. He was promoted to Corporal on November 1, 2004, and after a re-assignment to the Uniformed Patrol Division, he was elevated to Sergeant on September 26, 2005. His outstanding performance warranted his return to the DTF, where he has been instrumental in disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations across Jefferson, Lincoln, and Arkansas Counties.

On April 1, 2014, Captain Brunson was promoted to Lieutenant, and subsequently to Captain on January 17, 2019. As the current commander of the Tri-County Drug Task Force, he leads a team of investigators and oversees all operations, including criminal investigations and tactical responses to significant drug-related threats.

Captain Brunson has accrued 1,422.58 hours of specialized law enforcement training. His certifications include law enforcement professional instructor, radar instructor, and defensive tactics instructor. His commitment to continuous professional development and his role as a mentor to younger deputies and officers underscore his leadership capabilities.

Captain Brunson's bravery and heroism are well-documented, most notably his receipt of the Arkansas Sheriff's Association Medal of Honor for his actions during the 2006 Tyson Foods Plant shooting in Pine Bluff, AR. This accolade is a testament to his courage and dedication to duty under the most challenging circumstances.

Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. nominated Captain Brunson to attend Arkansas Leader, stating, "The Arkansas Leader program's focus on leadership principles, decision-making, and mentoring aligns perfectly with Captain Brunson's professional trajectory and aspirations. I am confident that his participation will not only benefit him personally and professionally but also enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of our entire department."

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office congratulates Captain Brunson on this significant achievement and looks forward to the continued positive impact of his leadership within our community.