The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is recognizing the retirement of Captain Mark Harper, marking the end of nearly 30 years of dedicated service to Jefferson County and its residents.
Captain Harper’s law enforcement career began on Jan. 26, 1996, when he joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as a member of the Reserve Unit. He continued his public service in 1998 while working at the Jefferson County Juvenile Detention Center. In 2004, Harper returned to the Sheriff’s Office as a full-time deputy assigned to the Patrol Division, where he would spend much of his career.
Harper steadily rose through the ranks, earning a promotion to Corporal in December 2007, followed by Sergeant in November 2012. In October 2015, he briefly departed the department to further his career with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
In January 2019, Harper returned to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, where he was appointed Captain over the Patrol Division, serving as Division Commander. In that role, he oversaw patrol operations, set departmental standards, and helped ensure the Sheriff’s Office remained consistent in its mission and service to the community.
Captain Harper officially retired on Dec. 31, 2025.
A retirement celebration was held on Jan. 8, 2026, bringing together family, friends, and coworkers to honor his years of service. During the ceremony, Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. praised Harper’s leadership and lasting influence on the department.
“The captain sets the tone for the division,” Sheriff Woods said. “The captain holds the standards and makes sure the mission stays the same, especially when things get tough—and Captain Mark Harper did exactly that throughout his years of service.”
Colleagues throughout the department described Harper as dependable, dedicated, and always willing to help. Many said he treated everyone equally, led with integrity, and helped foster a family-oriented environment within the Sheriff’s Office. His commitment to mentoring and supporting others left a lasting impact on those who worked alongside him.
Harper’s legacy of service continues through his family, as both of his sons currently serve as deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office expressed its gratitude for Captain Harper’s years of leadership, dedication, and service, congratulating him on his retirement and wishing him and his family well as he begins the next chapter of his life.
