Jason Wiley Lawrence, 42

Chief of enforcement, Garland County Sheriff’s Department

Who is Jason Lawrence?

I was born in Hot Springs and raised In Glenwood. I am a 1991 graduate of Glenwood High School, a 1998 graduate of University of Louisiana Monroe with a Bachelor of Arts in Government, a 2003 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a master’s in Public Administration, and a 2015 graduate of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Academy, where I was elected class leader and received a technical certificate in Policing and an Associate Degree in professional studies with an emphasis in law enforcement.

I am proud to be married to Michelle C. Lawrence. I have three amazing children: Madelyn, Jackson, and Olivia. I’m a member of Piney Grove United Methodist Church, a member of the Garland County Tactical Response Team, vice president of the Arkansas Court Officer’s Association and in 2014 was awarded the Arkansas Court Officer of the year. I carry instructor certificates from the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards in both Court Security and Firearms Tactics.

What one experience in your life really defined you?

In 2009, I was shot twice in the line of duty serving a search warrant while a member of the Garland County Tactical Response Team. From that experience, I learned many things — it strengthened my faith in God; it is easy to overlook how important your friends, family and community are to you; in the face of overwhelming adversity, one can overcome any obstacle.

What do you love about Hot Springs?

Growing up close to Hot Springs it is a place I always loved. When the opportunity presented itself in 1998 I knew I wanted to move “home” to begin raising my family.

What do you enjoy doing for fun and relaxation?

Exercise, spending time with family, deer/duck hunting with my brother-in-law.

Tell us something few people know about you.

I absolutely love rap music. Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, I fell in love with gangster rap and still love it to this day.

Where do you see Hot Springs five years from now?

In five years, I see Hot Springs continuing to grow into a more vibrant community. Hot Springs/ Garland County offers so much to the state of Arkansas I truly believe that Hot Springs/Garland County is the true “diamond” of our state and offers much to those who live and visit here.