ABOUT MIKE STEWART
Hi, I'm Mike Stewart
BACKGROUND & VALUES
This county has always been my home. I was born and raised on a beef cattle farm in Durham, south of Elkins, and I still live there today, where I own and operate the same family farm. I have lived here my entire life except for the years that I spent serving our country in the U.S. Air Force.
I was deployed five times in my 9 1/2 years I served on active duty, with the final two being combat tours in Iraq. On July 20th, 2006, my vehicle struck an IED on MSR Tampa outside of Balad, Iraq. That moment changed my life. It earned me the Purple Heart, but more importantly, it deepened my commitment to serve with honor, courage, and humility.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
After my time in the military, I returned home to serve in the Washington County Sheriff's Office for over 14 years-working in detention, court services, and patrol. I earned a Senior Certificate from the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training, and a Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. Today, I serve as the Chief of Staff for Washington County, overseeing daily development and operations across multiple departments such as, Comptroller, Human Resources, Information Technology, Road Department, Emergency Management, and the Juvenile Detention Center to name a few.
VISION FOR A SAFER COMMUNITY
Integrity - Accountability - Service
My vision is a law enforcement agency built on unwavering integrity, transparent accountability, and selfless service to our community. I am committed to earning and maintaining public trust, holding ourselves to the highest ethical standards, and protecting every citizen with respect, fairness, and dedication.