Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. has announced the promotion of two employees that has taken effect as of Wednesday, July 15th.
The Captain of the Training Division, Gary McClain, was promoted to Major of Operations and the Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigation Division, John Bean, was promoted to Captain of the Training Division.
“The quality of dedication is very important for the agencies’ long-term success,” said Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. “We look forward to Major McClain and Captain John Bean’s ability to achieve the highest level of success in their new roles. We value all our employees and are especially pleased to watch them meet the challenges presented and grow into greater responsibilities.”
Captain John Bean served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years as an Aerospace Physiology Craftsman prior to joining the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in April of 2008, where he began his career as a Uniformed Deputy Sheriff in the Patrol Division.
He completed the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in July of 2008.
He became an investigator in the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) in November of 2012. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant of CID in August of 2016 where he was in charge of overseeing day-to-day case assignments. He also conducted direct field supervision and monitored subordinate investigators to ensure the efficient operation of the shift in compliance with departmental policies, rules, orders and procedures.
He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant of CID in January of 2018 where he served until his recent promotion to the rank of Captain in the Training Division. He is also a member of the Special Response Team (SRT).
In his new role, Bean will be responsible for the coordination and planning of continuing professional training for all sheriff’s office staff. He will also be responsible for conducting training for those individuals seeking Part-Time II Certification as well as Jailor Certification Courses for each incoming class of candidates vying to serve within the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
“I’m both blessed and excited by this opportunity to serve the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in this new capacity,” said Bean. “I am blessed because I know this, as with all things in my life, comes from God and He has guided me to this new season and responsibility in life.”
Bean expressed that law enforcement and teaching are two things that are a big part of his heart and soul.
“I look forward to continuing to serve the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office through the training and mentoring of our personnel and continuing to serve and protect the great citizens of Jefferson County. I want to thank God and Sheriff Woods for this promotion and opportunity to serve,” said Bean.
Major Gary McClain joined JCSO in November of 1995 as a Uniformed Deputy Sheriff in the Patrol Division.
He completed the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in September of 1996.
He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in the Patrol Division in July of 1999, assisting as the Shift Supervisor for the Patrol Division’s B Shift. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in November of 2002 and to the rank of Lieutenant in 2003. As the Lieutenant of the Patrol Division, McClain was responsible for supervising and guiding subordinate personnel in the performance of their duties and assist with shift briefing, training, and performance evaluations. He was also responsible for handling personnel issues and investigating allegations of misconduct amongst his subordinates.
In January of 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Captain in the Training Division where he has served until his recent promotion to Major of Operations. He is also one of the founding members assigned to the Special Response Team (SRT) when it was formed in 1999.
In his new role, McClain will serve as the operations commander with the responsibility of overseeing the sheriff’s office operations, support services, courthouse security and administrative personnel.
McClain is honored and humbled that Sheriff Woods has recognized his dedication and promoted him to the Major of Operations. He looks forward to overcoming the unique challenges he will face in his new position and continuing the legacy of his predecessors.
“The success of the sheriff’s office has been a long-time passion of mine,” said McClain. “As the Major of Operations, it is my goal to support Sheriff Woods’ vision of evolving and improving this agency.”
McClain is very passionate about helping others and watching them grow in their skills and abilities. He hopes to bring an example of strong work ethic and lead in the core values of honesty, integrity, loyalty, trust, respect, fairness and diversity.
“I am thankful to have had many great mentors in my life who have guided me to where I am now. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” said McClain.
