Tim Ryals

Timothy Ray Ryals, known as Tim Ryals (born October 26, 1962), is the Republican sheriff of Faulkner County in central Arkansas, a position to which he was elected in 2016.

A veteran of the United States Army, Ryals resides in Conway, Arkansas.

Law enforcement career
After serving in the United States Army, Ryals transitioned into a career in law enforcement as a reserve deputy for the Saline County Sheriff’s Department. He studied criminal justice at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. He soon was assigned to a number of high-profile cases and was promoted to jailor, patrol officer, supervisor, dive team member, and narcotics investigator. After six years of service, he joined the Arkansas State Police, for which he was a member of the narcotics division, a pilot for the Aircraft Division, trooper for the Arkansas Highway Patrol in Faulkner and Pulaski counties, a member of the drug interdiction,  K-9 Unit, and SWAT teamd.

Political career
On March 1, 2012, Ryals announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Faulkner County sheriff, but he was badly defeated in the Republican primary. He finished the race with 2,759 votes (33.5 percent).

In 2015, Governor Asa Hutchinson appointed Andy Shock, Ryals' intra-party opponent in 2012, to the Arkansas State Parole Board, Ryals then announced his plans to run once more for the Republican nomination for sheriff in 2016. Following a significant software hiccup that delayed vote totals, Faulkner County released the final unofficial results for the primary election at nearly midnight. The election results forced a runoff election between Tim Ryals and Rocky Lawrence. Ryals won the runoff election with more than 65 percent of the votes cast. He then prevailed as well in the general election held on November 8, 2016.

Personal life
Sheriff Ryals is a member of the Cowboy church in Conway, for which he performs in the music ministry and offers spiritual guidance and advice. He is a graduate of the Agape School of World Evangelism. He is involved too in the Renewal Ranch and Soul Food Cafe.

Ryals is married to Wendy Ryals, who is currently detailed with the state police for Governor Hutchinson. The couple has five children and four grandchildren.