Arkansas Achievers

■ The Garland County sheriff’s office recently announced that Lt. Shawn Stapleton has been selected as the 2020 Correctional Supervisor of the Year by the American Jail Association. He was nominated for the award by Garland County jail Chief Deputy Steven Elrod and was chosen from among applicants from jails across the nation. He was selected because of his ability to inspire, promote excellence, increase morale, and overall leadership attributes, a news release said. “The Garland County Detention Center now possesses two supervisors within its ranks who have been bestowed with this national recognition through the American Jail Association,” the release said. “It is extremely rare to receive such a prestigious award and Lt. Stapleton serves as a prime example of the tremendous staff we hold here in Garland County. He is well-deserving of such a recognition.” Stapleton joined the department on July 21, 2014, and was promoted to lieutenant on Sept. 17, 2017. He is currently responsible for the supervision of shift supervisors and line staff while assisting the security director in the management and control of the lockup. Stapleton also oversees the security, well-being and safety of the staff and inmates. He will receive the Correctional Supervisor of the Year award on April 7 at the American Jail Association’s 39th annual Conference and Jail Expo in Aurora, Colo.

■ Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility conducted a change of command ceremony Jan. 24 in Jacksonville. During the time-honored tradition, Cmdr. John Haesler of Little Rock was relieved by Cmdr. Robert Hale. During his tenure, Haesler spearheaded the Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility’s support to U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Naval Air Forces Atlantic, numerous Carrier and Expeditionary strike groups, and other joint military and Fleet customers with myriad technologic training requirements. Most notably were the Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility’s contribution to live, virtual, constructive training initiatives which merges live and virtual capabilities to build a robust training environment. Live, virtual, constructive training provides a realistic environment that replicates the high end fight and prepares maritime forces for 21st century warfare. “I could not be more proud of our team and their efforts to make Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility Jacksonville better, our Navy and Joint Force range users more lethal, and our country stronger,” said Haesler. As commanding officer of the Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility and the Pinecastle Range Complex, he led 30 NASA and commercial rocket launches, 21 joint military and fleet combat training exercises all while empowering his sailors, which resulted in the command winning the Retention Excellence Award. Haesler praised his entire command for their tireless efforts and support for leading 99 military, civilian, contract personnel assigned to Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility Jacksonville and the Pinecastle Range Complex. “Our team of sailors, civilians, and contractors have achieved incredible success, supporting our multi-service range users safely and effectively. All the while, successfully balancing mission with taking care of people and self,” said Haesler. “As I turn over to Skipper Hale, I do so filled with tremendous pride for what the men and women of Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility Jacksonville have accomplished.”

Arkansas Achievers is an opportunity to give recognition to Arkansans for their achievements. Civilian and military achievements are accepted.

Please follow these guidelines: Achiever(s):

1) Must be an Arkansan or have graduated from a school in Arkansas.

2) Received an award, scholarship, medal or promotion. Pageants, deans’ lists, graduations or military enlistments are not accepted.

No photographs please.

To submit an Achiever email us at news@arkansasonline.com with the words “Arkansas Achievers” in the subject line.