Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. announced Tuesday the promotion of Lt. Dennis Kendall to the rank of Major of Operations at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, effective immediately.
Sheriff Woods said the promotion reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to professional development and recognizing excellence within the agency.
Kendall began his law enforcement career with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 2008. In 2018, he left the agency to work with the U.S. Department of Defense before returning to JCSO in 2022. Following his return, Kendall was assigned to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Little Rock District Office, Diversion Control Division, where he served as a Diversion Investigator Task Force Officer.
In that role, Kendall assisted with investigations aimed at preventing and detecting the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals and listed chemicals from legitimate sources, while also helping ensure continued access for lawful medical, commercial and scientific use.
Prior to his assignment with the DEA, Kendall served as an investigator with the JCSO-managed Tri-County Drug Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Division. During that time, he advanced through the ranks from sergeant to lieutenant.
As Major of Operations, Kendall will oversee the sheriff’s office’s daily operations and provide command-level leadership. His responsibilities will include ensuring personnel maintain high standards in training, continuing education, certification readiness and leadership development.
“Major Kendall has earned this promotion through consistent performance, a commitment to professional growth, and the trust and respect of his colleagues,” Sheriff Woods said. “He brings proven investigative expertise, operational readiness and strong leadership to ensure our agency continues moving forward, trained, prepared and focused on excellence.”
Kendall is a graduate of the Arkansas LEADER program and is an active member of the JCSO Special Response Team. His training includes impact, chemical, aerosol and flash-bang munitions. He is also completing his private pilot’s license and will serve as the primary pilot for the JCSO Aviation Wing.
Throughout his career, Kendall has completed advanced training in Criminal Justice Information Services, security and privacy protocols, and the Tactical Energetic Entry Systems Command, Control and Leadership School. He holds multiple professional certifications, including Certified Law Enforcement Instructor, Certified Firearm Instructor, GLOCK Pistol Armorer and Remington Model 870 Shotgun Armorer. He is also a certified diver trained in black-water and swift-water rescue operations.
Sheriff Woods said the department looks forward to Kendall’s continued leadership.
“We are proud to celebrate Major Kendall’s well-earned promotion,” Woods said. “His dedication, professionalism and leadership set a strong example for the entire agency, and we look forward to the positive impact he will continue to have on the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the community we serve.”
