Jefferson County, Arkansas – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is bidding farewell to one of its most trusted partners — a dog whose career was defined by loyalty, skill, and an unwavering commitment to duty. Sergeant Ioni May, a Belgian Malinois who has served the department since 2021, is officially stepping down from active duty. His retirement comes with more than just heartfelt thanks — it comes with a new beginning.
For much of its history, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) operated without a K-9 program. That changed in the late 1990s when the department began experimenting with police dogs for patrol and narcotics detection. In the early days, one of the first dogs, Arno, was placed in the Uniformed Patrol Division, and by 1999, the agency had a dedicated two-dog unit capable of handling both patrol and narcotics duties.
The results spoke for themselves. Over the years, JCSO’s canines became a symbol of excellence. Among them was Sergeant Prins, another Belgian Malinois, who earned top honors in Arkansas and placed 11th in the nation in the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association’s rankings — an achievement that set a high bar for future K-9s.
In May 2021, that tradition of excellence continued with the arrival of Sergeant Ioni May. Named in honor of J. Thomas “Tommy” May, the former president and CEO of Simmons First National Bank and now head of the Simmons First Foundation, Ioni was trained for dual purposes: narcotics detection and suspect apprehension. He also excelled at tracking, making him an invaluable asset to deputies on the ground.
From the moment he joined the team, Ioni became a living embodiment of the department’s mission of being “Dedicated to Service.” He not only provided a boost to public safety but also played a vital role in community engagement, often participating in demonstrations and events that brought law enforcement and citizens closer together.
“When it comes to a sense of duty, pound for pound, they have no equal,” Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. said, reflecting on Ioni’s career. “They never hesitate to chase down a suspect; when they start barking orders, you can bet crooks listen; and when their shift is over, all they ask is a little kibble and a game of catch.”
But this summer, a medical assessment revealed that Ioni’s time in active service was nearing its end. Multiple evaluations concluded that continuing patrol work would pose a significant risk to both the dog and the department. His current health challenges made high-stress deployments, particularly bite situations, too dangerous. The extended medical care required for recovery would also interrupt the rigorous training needed for operational readiness.
The decision was not made lightly. In accordance with CLEST Rule 1029(1)(b), Ioni was officially removed from service, and decertification procedures were set in motion through the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. His status is now formally listed as “medically retired.”
Sheriff Woods acknowledged the weight of the decision, noting that K-9 officers like Ioni often serve as a frontline safeguard for deputies — sometimes being the only thing standing between an officer and potential danger when backup is several minutes away.
“Sheriff K-9’s like Ioni have been a valuable tool in this agency’s mission to protect and serve the citizens of Jefferson County,” Woods said. “In the finest spirit of public service, Ioni demonstrated exemplary service in carrying out duties in which were assigned. It is with our deepest respect and gratitude that we honor him for his tireless devotion to duty.”
Retirement for a working dog means a change in daily life. No more calls in the middle of the night. No more tense stand-offs with suspects. For Ioni, it means a quieter, more relaxed pace — but it also means staying with the person he trusts most. As is customary at JCSO, Ioni’s final handler, former Deputy Sheriff Corey Lowery, will take him home and care for him for the rest of his life.
While Ioni may no longer be wearing a badge, his service leaves an imprint that will be felt for years to come. His career was part of a larger legacy — one that stretches back to the early days of JCSO’s K-9 program and continues to evolve with each new dog brought into service.
For the deputies who worked alongside him, and the community that saw him as both a protector and a goodwill ambassador, Ioni’s retirement is bittersweet. There is pride in what he accomplished, sadness in seeing him leave the field, and comfort in knowing his final years will be spent in the care of someone who understands the bond forged in service.
Even without patrol duties, Ioni will likely keep a watchful eye on his surroundings, ears alert to anything unusual — old habits die hard for a working dog. But instead of chasing suspects, his days ahead will be filled with long naps, backyard games, and the kind of quiet contentment he has more than earned.
In Jefferson County, where law enforcement resources are sometimes stretched across large rural areas, the loss of a K-9 officer is felt keenly. But for Ioni, this is not an ending — it’s a well-deserved new chapter. And for the sheriff’s office, it’s a reminder of the unique, irreplaceable role that these four-legged deputies play.
The badge may be off, but the loyalty, courage, and service that defined Sergeant Ioni May’s career will never be forgotten.
