Blackley, 58, Izard County's sheriff, dies after year at post

Izard County Sheriff Earnie Blackley visits with Betty Vest, administrative assistant in the Izard County sheriff’s office in Melbourne, in this 2019 file photo. Blackley, who became sheriff on Jan. 1, 2019, died Saturday morning, according to authorities. He was 58.
Izard County Sheriff Earnie Blackley visits with Betty Vest, administrative assistant in the Izard County sheriff’s office in Melbourne, in this 2019 file photo. Blackley, who became sheriff on Jan. 1, 2019, died Saturday morning, according to authorities. He was 58.

Izard County Sheriff Earnie Blackley died of cancer Saturday morning, just a year and four days after taking office, according to authorities.

Blackley, 58, joined the department in 1993, having previously worked as a police officer in Greenville, Miss., Izard County Chief Deputy Charles Melton said. After serving as chief deputy for 18 years, he was elected sheriff and assumed the role on New Year's Day last year, succeeding Jack Yancey.

"He was our backbone and our strength," Melton said.

The sheriff was diagnosed with lung cancer in May.

Melton described Blackley as a servant of God and a family man who cared about his county and the people who live there. "He made it his mission to help everyone he met," Melton said.

"He was just a stand-up guy," Melton said. "He wanted to help anybody."

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge released a statement expressing her condolences and praising Blackley's commitment to Izard County.

"He was a dedicated leader of the law enforcement community; serving more than 30 years," Rutledge said. "Even after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer only months after being elected to serve as Sheriff, he continued to work to keep his county safe."

Melton will serve as interim sheriff until the county Quorum Court appoints a successor, authorities said.

Metro on 01/05/2020

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