Atkinson, Hollenbeck announce for Sebastian County Sheriff

The race for Sebastian County Sheriff heated up Wednesday with the incumbent and a challenger both announcing for the post.

Bill Hollenbeck, a captain and more than 19 year veteran with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department, announced Wednesday (Sept. 8) his candidacy for Sheriff of Sebastian County.

“I’ve been considering this for several years. The time is right for this to happen. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I can help transition a good organization into a great one,” Hollenbeck said in a campaign statement issued Wednesday.

Hollenbeck entered law enforcement as an officer with the Dallas Police Department. He served as a patrol officer for two years and on the Dallas SWAT Team for seven years. He joined the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department in 1990 and helped develop its first SWAT team.

While at the Sheriff’s Department, Hollenbeck’s jobs have included lead investigator for the Criminal Investigations Division, supervisor of the 12th Judicial Drug Task Force, commander of the Sebastian County Metro SWAT Team, and serving on the DEA Regional Task Force.

Specific improvements mentioned by Hollenbeck were adding in-service training and developing and implementing a strategic plan for the department. He also wants to partner with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith to provide more continuing education opportunities for deputies.

“Education is extremely important to professionalism,” he said.

Sebastian County Sheriff Frank Atkinson also said Wednesday he will seek another two-year term as sheriff. Atkinson has almost 11 years in the top spot, and has been with the department almost 40 years.

Atkinson said he plans to continue his efforts to reach out to children and “help get them on the right track” early in life. The department’s Junior Deputy program educates elementary school children about the department and how to stay out of trouble.

Atkinson said he enjoys managing the more than 120 people — including about 72 jailers — in the department, and the reserve unit of more than 30.

“I hope the public will stay with me and keep me in office,” Atkinson said.