Retired Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Mark Allen Harper, who spent nearly three decades in law enforcement and most recently served as commander of the agency’s Patrol Division, died Friday following an extended illness at 59-years-old.
Harper retired from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 31, 2025, after overseeing daily patrol operations as captain.
The sheriff’s office announced his death Friday and said flags at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center and the Jack Jones Juvenile Justice Center will be flown at half-staff in his honor.
Harper began his law enforcement career on Jan. 26, 1996, as a member of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit. In 1998, he joined the Jack Jones Juvenile Justice Center, where he worked with juvenile offenders before returning to the sheriff’s office as a full-time patrol deputy in 2004.
During the following two decades, Harper advanced through the ranks, earning promotions to corporal in 2007 and sergeant in 2012.
In 2015, he joined the Grant County Sheriff’s Office before returning to Jefferson County in January 2019 after being appointed captain and commander of the Patrol Division.
As patrol commander, Harper supervised patrol operations, managed deputies and helped oversee one of the sheriff’s office’s largest divisions until his retirement at the end of 2025.
His family’s connection to law enforcement continues within the agency. His wife, Sgt. Sandra Harper, and the couple’s two sons all serve with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday, July 3, at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m., and retired Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Maj. and the Rev. John Bean will officiate the service.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office asked the community to keep Harper’s family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers in their thoughts as they mourn his passing.
STATEMENT FROM SHERIFF LAFAYETTE WOODS, JR., ON THE PASSING OF RETIRED CAPTAIN MARK ALLEN HARPER: Jefferson County, Arkansas – June 28, 2026 – It is with profound sadness that the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office mourns the passing of our friend, colleague, and retired Patrol Division Commander, Captain Mark Allen Harper, who passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026, following a courageous battle with his health. He was 59 years old.
Captain Harper devoted nearly three decades of his life to the service of others and to the protection of the citizens of Jefferson County. His career reflected an unwavering commitment to duty, integrity, and professional excellence.
Captain Harper’s journey with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office began on January 26, 1996, as a member of our Reserve Unit. He continued serving the youth of our community at the Jack Jones Juvenile Justice Center before returning to the Sheriff’s Office in 2004 as a full-time Patrol Deputy. Through dedication, hard work, and exceptional leadership, he rose through the ranks, earning promotions to Corporal, Sergeant, and ultimately returning to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 2019 to serve as Captain and Commander of the Patrol Division until his retirement on December 31, 2025.
Although Captain Harper retired only months ago, retirement never diminished his place within our Sheriff’s Office family. A badge may be turned in, but a lifetime of faithful service is never forgotten.
Captain Harper was the kind of leader every agency hopes to have. He was dependable, approachable, and deeply respected by those who served alongside him. He believed in treating everyone with fairness and respect, mentoring younger deputies, and leading by example rather than by title. His calm demeanor, steady judgment, and willingness to help others earned him the admiration of generations of law enforcement officers.
Perhaps one of his greatest accomplishments was inspiring a legacy of service within his own family. His wife, Sergeant Sandra Harper, and both of their sons proudly continue his commitment to public safety as members of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. His influence will continue to be felt each day they put on the uniform he wore with such honor.
As Sheriff, I believe our responsibility extends beyond recognizing those who currently wear the badge. We also have a duty to honor those whose sacrifices helped shape this agency into what it is today. Captain Mark Harper was one of those individuals. His leadership strengthened this organization, his friendship enriched those who knew him, and his service made our community safer.
On behalf of the men and women of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Sergeant Sandra Harper, their sons, the Harper family, and all who loved him. We stand beside you during this difficult time and remain forever grateful for Captain Harper’s extraordinary service and lasting legacy.
In recognition of his distinguished career and dedicated service, flags at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center, and the Jack Jones Juvenile Justice Center will be flown at half-staff in his honor.
Captain Mark Allen Harper faithfully answered the call to serve. Though his watch has ended, his example, his leadership, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
May God grant eternal rest to our brother, and may He continue to comfort all who mourn his passing.
Sincerely, Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr.
