Brad Young has officially announced his candidacy for Cleveland County Sheriff, pledging to build on the department’s existing foundation with a focus on integrity, transparency, and public safety.
Young, who was raised in Cleveland County and currently lives in Rowell with his wife, Karla, and their two children, Brenna (15) and Hudgin (7), said his deep roots in the community and decades of experience in law enforcement have prepared him to lead.
“The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department has always been a part of my life, both growing up and throughout my career,” Young said.
A graduate of Woodlawn High School, Young began his law enforcement career at just 18 years old as a K-9 handler with the Arkansas Department of Corrections. At age 22, he joined the Arkansas State Police, serving Cleveland County for six years before continuing his career with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as a wildlife enforcement officer.
During his time with the Game and Fish Commission, Young developed an investigative program that remains in operation today. He rose through the ranks to the position of Colonel, overseeing more than 225 enforcement personnel across all 75 counties and managing a multi-million-dollar budget.
With 25 years of law enforcement experience—most of it in leadership roles—Young said he is ready to apply his skills to serve the citizens of Cleveland County.
“If elected, I will build upon the strong foundation laid by Sheriff Jack Rodgers and lead the Sheriff’s Office with integrity, transparency, and dedication,” he said.
Young outlined several key priorities for his campaign, including:
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School Safety: Making student and school security a top priority.
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Crime Prevention: Strengthening patrols, expanding investigations, and promoting community-based crime prevention programs.
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Funding and Resources: Pursuing federal grants to supplement the county’s limited budget and develop a K-9 program focused on drug enforcement, school safety, and search and rescue.
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Community Connection: Maintaining an open-door policy and being accessible to residents 24/7.
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Youth Engagement: Reviving the Junior Deputy Program to build positive relationships between law enforcement and youth.
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Training and Recruitment: Prioritizing the hiring and professional development of deputies through advanced training programs.
“I have a proven record of leadership, experience, and dedication,” Young said. “I’m motivated to serve, ready to lead, and committed to protecting the citizens of Cleveland County. Together, we can continue to make our community a safe and proud place to call home.”
Residents can follow his campaign and find contact information on Facebook at “Brad Young for Sheriff.”
