Baxter County Sheriff

The results of the America's Most Wanted Contest are In.


May 6, 2010 - The citizens of Baxter County are amazing! While we didn't win, we stayed in the top 3 vote getters for most of the America's Most Wanted Contest. In fact we were in the top 3 vote getters, 12 of the last 14 days.

All of the other finalist were highly qulified and deserved to win and be recognized. The winner was Officer Daniel Clark, from the Winston Salem, Police Department. Officer Clark and his partner were both shot while responding to a Domestic Disturbance call. Officer Cark was shot twice, once in the head and once in the chest, but yet managed to return fire, defusing the deadly situation.

We would like to extend our sincere congratulations fo Officer Clark, his family and his supporters. He is truly an inspiration and a hero not only in the eyes of his fellow officers and family, but to all of us who put on the badge across this great Country.

There were so many of you who worked tirelessly, reminding friends and family to vote. There are way too many supporters to even begin to try to name, however I want to say a special thank you to the Brooks Jeffrey Marketing Team (website developer), and to Desiree Bender, Arkansas Director of the Humane Society of the United States. They worked tirelessly, almost around the clock for the entire 19 days of the contest. I also want to thank Oakland, Arkansas resident, Brenda Johnson, who nominated me for the award. She is a true friend and supporter of law enforcement.

While we did not win, I believe we witnessed the power of social networking in full force. When you realize that Baxter County, population of 40,000, competed against cities of 2 million plus, (more than 50 times our size), we still came out as one of the top 3 finalists from over 1,100 nominees... That is incredible!

Working with the staff of the America's Most Wanted crew was a great experience. They were so helpful and made this experience one we will never forget. As you know they came to Mountain Home and filmed a segment on the Baxter County Sheriff's Office, which aired on the FOX Network on March 13. It is a tremendous honor to have our Department recognized for their excellence and professionalism on national television.

During this competition, we made many new friends and new contacts from around the world. We received emails and calls from seven countries and almost every state in the Union. The national media attention was focused here, on Baxter County in a very positive way. We were able to show the world how professional our law enforcement agency is, and what a great place Baxter County is to vacation, live and to raise a family. We were able to show why the citizens are so proud of our community.

My wife, Karen, and I are deeply humbled and honored to have received such an outpouring of support from this community. We are so fortunate to live and work in such a great place. God has truly blessed us.

From the bottom of my heart, to all of you, Thank you.

Sheriff John Montgomery