personal training, redefined
35 Years as an Arkansas State Trooper
20-Year Army Veteran
Four Decades as a Law Enforcement Officer
Why I am running for Baxter County Sheriff
I came to Baxter County in 1985 as a newly commissioned State Trooper and have called Baxter County my home for almost 4 decades. My wife, Kaye, taught school for the Mountain Home School District for 31 years and together we raised two (2) daughters and logged hundreds of miles supporting them as proud Lady Bombers. Kaye and I still attend the Church where both daughters were baptized, attended Vacation Bible School and were married. I served on the Mountain Home School Board and Kaye still works with students at the Mountain Home Kindergarten as a reading interventionist.
I have talked about the long line of good leaders who have been Sheriff and wanting to be part of that legacy, as well as having a passion for law enforcement, but this county has been my home for almost 4 decades and my campaign is driven by a deep desire to give back through public service and protecting and serving the people who have been so good to me and my family.
Experience and Leadership you can count on every day.
After 20 years of service, I retired from the Arkansas Army National Guard as a Sergeant First Class (SFC). I was mobilized for Operation Desert Storm/Shield in 1991, and in 2008, I deployed to Iraq with the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team for Operation Iraqi Freedom and conducted over 10,000 miles of convoy escort missions in western Iraq.
I attended the School of Law Enforcement Supervision (SLES), and the Sheriff’s Administration and Management (SAMC) courses administered by the Criminal Justice Institute of the University of Arkansas. I am a certified law enforcement instructor and hold a Senior certificate through the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST).
In 2016, I was selected to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities.
My Platform
As a career law enforcement officer and leader, I will lead the Sheriff’s Office from the front and work to ensure the department is what “right looks like,” not only to the community, but to other law enforcement agencies as well. I have policed this community since 1985. I know the people, the issues, and the solutions they expect from their Sheriff.
Working with my Staff, we will constantly evaluate the department’s personnel, equipment, and training needs to ensure the department moves in a direction that sets the standard for law enforcement agencies across the state, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
I will implement an aggressive, coordinated response in all narcotics and major crime investigations by pursuing improved relations and joint investigative efforts with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners. We work better when we work together.
Vote Hollingsworth for Baxter County Sheriff in the Republican Primary on March 3, 2026
Building a future that you can trust.
As Sheriff, I will work hard every day to establish a legacy of safety and security that ensures Baxter County is a safe place to call home for this generation and the next. I am laser-focused on making the changes that matter.
My Experience
I am currently serving as Chief Deputy Sheriff for the Marion County Sheriff’s Department.
From 1985-2021, I served in various capacities for the Arkansas State Police, retiring as a Major and Commander of the Criminal Investigation Division.
I was mobilized for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1991 and Deployed to Iraq in 2008 for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
My Education
In 1979, I graduated from Jacksonville High School.
I received my Associates Degree in Law Enforcement in 1984.
I have completed the School of Law Enforcement Supervision and the Sheriff’s Administrative and Management Course.
In 2016, I was selected to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, graduating in the 264th session.
I am a lifelong learner and continually prioritize additional training and certifications.
My Platform
As a career law enforcement officer and leader, it has been my experience that there are three (3) primary areas that are in constant review within a law enforcement agency. These areas are personnel, equipment and training. These areas address everything from numbers and assignment of personnel, types of firearms and vehicles used by the agency, and the type and frequency of training for department personnel. This model is simple, but effective in determining the needs of an agency.
Questions? Concerns? Let’s talk!
When you talk, I listen. If there are changes that you would like to see or concerns you have for our community, I want to hear from you.