By: Kevan Mathis
Harrison Daily Times

A memorial is being constructed in front of the Marion County Jail in Yellville to honor law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty, according to Marion County Sheriff Carl McBee.

McBee said he wants to emphasize that no county funds will be used to build the outdoor structure.

"All the materials and labor have been donated by private businesses and people," McBee said. "This memorial will cost the taxpayers absolutely nothing."

He clarified that statement adding that two employees with the Marion County Road Department did some finishing work on the concrete slab which is located near the front door of the jail on the north side of the building.

Much of the dirt grade work has been completed by inmates being held at the jail.

"We've had some really good inmates who've been more than happy to get outside and work on the project," McBee said.

McBee said work is projected to be completed near the first part of 2006 depending upon future donations and weather conditions.

Three flags will adorn the memorial consisting of a state, national and a flag from the Marion County Sheriff's Department.

A plaque describing the memorial will be set in concrete with the names of at least three law enforcement officers who've died in the line of duty.

McBee said he's still doing research on some of the law enforcement officers killed in Marion County over the years.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Brown was probably the first law enforcement officer killed on the job when he was shot and killed in 1855.

In 1947, Arkansas State Police Trooper Sidney Pravatt was killed in Marion County. Then in 1983, Flippin Police Chief George Mann died in the line of duty.

McBee asks that if anyone else wants to help with donations or knows of any other law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, they may contact his office at (870) 449-4236.