Searcy County Sheriff Kenny Cassell announced that Dakota English has been sworn-in as the county's newest deputy. English replaces Deputy Kevin Trammel who accepted a position out of the area.

  Cassell said over the last three years, English has served the sheriff's department has a jailer/dispatcher. Chief Deputy Dewayne Pierce explained that English will be scheduled to attend the law enforcement training academy around the first of the year. Pierce explained the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy is a 13 week course comprised of both hands on and classroom instruction and is designed to prepare students for the day to day work as patrol officers.

  English, age 21, said becoming a deputy was the next step in his career path. He said his grandfather worked for the sheriff's office, so he wanted to continue the tradition.

  "I love my county and wanted to follow in my grandpa's footsteps. I want to make our county a better place to live. I love helping people and serving as a deputy allows me the opportunity to do all of these things," English said.

  Cassell said, "We are very excited about having Dakota join our team of deputies. On behalf of the whole department, welcome aboard."

  Pierce added, "We are confident that Dakota's skills and talents will be a great addition to our team. We are excited to have him join our work family."

  English, who is a lifelong resident of Searcy County, graduated from Clinton High School. He is engaged to Lauren Loggins and is the son of Heather English.