Constable Everett Harbison

        I began my Law Enforcement career with the City of Center in the early 60’s under Chief R. A. Carriker. It was three other officers with the department at that time Butch Dalton, Allen Penick and W. C. ”Bill” Pool. The City Judge was Carl Hawthorn. I was with the Police Department about two years, left the Department and went to work for Payne-Payne Hardware Store. I enjoyed working with the department, Chief Carriker and the others.
        Sheriff Leon Shillings was in office at that time and his Chief Deputy was Mr. Claude Stamford. I’m left handed, so was Mr. Claude. He loaned me a left-handed holster and a Smith-Wesson revolver to start off with as I did not have a handgun. He was a great man, good officer and well respected officer. I learned a lot from Mr. Claude and will always remember him. Constable Johnny Hughes was in office at that time. I believe he was the youngest Constable in the state.
        After I left Payne-Payne I went to work with Sears Roebuck Co. as outside sales, for a year or so. Mr., Rex Payne recommended me for a salesman job at the Lee Hardware Co. in Shreveport, La. selling hardware, house ware and sporting goods. I worked for the Olive Hardware Co. in Shreveport, La. until 1975.
        In 1975 I announced for the office of Constable of Pct.1 of Shelby County alone with J. T. Hughes, Harvey Hughes, Tom Steele and Tincy Griffith. J. T. and I was selected for the run-off for the office. The citizens saw fit to elect me as the next constable beginning Jan.1, 1977. I don’t think it was any bad feelings between anyone in the race. We all were good friends when we started and remain friends now. I appreciated Johnny Hughes as the next day after the election he was at my house to congratulate me. I thank him and told him they ran a clean and friendly race. We are still friends along with his family. I will always thank and will remember the citizens for electing me as their constable.
        In 1979 I announced for Sheriff of Shelby County. Sheriff Paul Ross being the incumbent I was defeated by Sheriff Ross. I felt then as I do now the citizens had spoken. I learned a lot about politics, our county and where a lot of our citizens live. Sheriff Ross had a good department and I always tried to help him when he called upon me.
        Jan. 1, 1980 Chief Jimmy Matthews hired me with the Center Police Department as patrolman. Chief Matthews is a great chief, excellent to the work for he is an extremely good investigator, and one of the best interrogators I’ve ever seen. He has a lot of connections with other officers all over the state, and that’s a big plus for police work.
        I retired in 1996 with sixteen years in service, serving the citizens of Shelby County and the City of Center.
Everett Harbison
(2003)