PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. – A veteran sergeant who served the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office for the last 25 years tragically passed away last week.
It was his 50th birthday, reports said.
A Facebook post from the department said that Sergeant Bryant Starks died in his sleep on October 30 after celebrating his birthday. He was remembered fondly as a hero — the truest display of what it means to dedicate a life to service.
“Our hearts go out to the family during this difficult time,” the PCSO said. “May his memory be a blessing.”
Before joining the ranks of the Pulsaki County Sheriff’s Office in 1994, Sgt. Starks had previously been a member of the military, serving his country as a United States Marine.
“While in the Marine Corps he received the National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4th Award), Southwest Asia service medal (W/2 Bronze Stars), Kuwait Liberation Medal, Meritorious Unit commendation, Navy Commendation and the Good Conduct medal,” the department published in their tribute post.
After serving throughout his deployments, Starks returned stateside and looked for ways to continue doing what he did best – protecting the weak and keeping people safe in their time of greatest need.
In 1994 he signed on with the PSCO and worked in the county’s detention center. He moved to the law enforcement and patrol side of things four years later, and worked his way through a number of divisions including SWAT and Honor Guard until eventually being promoted to sergeant in 2010.
“[Sgt. Starks] had worked in several areas of the Sheriff’s Office over the years, Patrol, Warrants and his last assignment in the Judicial Division located in the Circuit Courthouse downtown,” the department wrote. “He was also a former member of the SWAT team and Honor Guard.”
Not only was he a devoted service member, but he was also engrained in the community as a father and a volunteer, routinely signing up to work with kids during youth sporting events.
“Bryant Starks was a good man. He had a true service heart,” PCSO Major Simon Haynes said while remembering the fallen sergeant. “He served his country, he served his community, and he served his family. He served them all with honor and integrity. He has left a large foot print on this earth and I will miss him. My prayers go out to his family.”
The community also held him in high regard, remembering him for his “infectious smile” and “pure heart”.
My prayers are with the family and friends of @SheriffPulaski Sgt. Bryant Starks. His watch ended Thursday, one day after his 50th birthday. He was a dedicated man of service for our community and our country. My deepest condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/2si9PktRRd
— Leslie Rutledge (@AGRutledge) November 1, 2019
“He was the epitome of integrity,” one Little Rock resident said about Starks. “His heart holds a smile and true love that can never be extinguished. He will never be forgotten. I only pray I may someday live up to his standards as I follow the example he has set forth.”
Starks tragically leaves a big family behind. His obituary stated that he was survived by his wife Erlinda, as well as his kids, Kalani, Kai, Marah, Kaleigh, Evelyn, Maryann, and Keanu. He additionally leaves behind siblings, parents and five grandchildren.
.@CBP offers our deepest condolences to the Pulaski County (AR) Sheriff’s Office (@SheriffPulaski) on the tragic loss of Sergeant Bryant Starks. Thank you, Sergeant Starks, for your service. #EOW pic.twitter.com/ExS8mhXIML
— CBP Gulf Coast (@CBPGulfCoast) November 4, 2019
Funeral services have been set for Thursday, according to the obituary.
Our hearts go out to the countless members of the law enforcement and veteran communities that have been affected by the loss of Sgt. Starks.
Rest in peace, brother. We’ve got it from here.
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