Hempstead County's chief deputy sheriff was recognized Tuesday for his 50 years of service to law enforcement.
T.P. "Mickey" Atkinson was named "Hempstead County Law Enforcement of the Year" by Arkansas Attorney
General Leslie Rutledge at the Attorney General's Law Enforcement Summit at Camp Robinson.
Atkinson began his career in February 1967 as adeputy sheriff in Desha County. Atkinson then served as city marshall for Arkansas City until 1977.
Atkinson was hired as a patrol officer for the city of McGehee in 1977, where he served in various positions including chief of police. Atkinson accepted a position as an investigator for the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office in 1993, where he served until Dec. 31, 2010.
Sheriff James Singleton appointed Atkinson as his chief deputy in January 2011.
"Chief Atkinson is a shining example as to what a dedicated law enforcement officer strives to be during their career. Most officers are looking forward to just putting in enough time
to get a retirement and then move on to other things. Not Chief Atkinson, he remains dedicated to not only the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office but to the entire law enforcement profession," Singleton said.