New State Trooper for Clay County

Trooper Clinton Eubanks [Click to enlarge]

The residents of Clay County have a new protector on patrol.

Trooper Clinton Eubanks of the Arkansas State Police (ASP) has been working in Clay County for the last two months. Eubanks resides in Rector and came to the area after spending the last two years serving in Mississippi County.

Prior to joining the ASP, he worked with the Blytheville and Paragould Police Departments. Eubanks says he requested a transfer to this region.

"I have family in Paragould," he said. "I thought this would make it easier for me to spend time with them."

Eubanks also says there were other factors which attracted him to Clay County.

"Personally, I've always liked these smaller communities. You get to know the people better. It seems like you can be of more assistance on a person-to-person basis. You feel like you're helping people you know. It's almost like you're making more of a difference. In a bigger county, you don't really know the people you serve as well. It's harder to form those kinds of personal bonds you see in smaller areas."

Eubanks is originally from Manila. He has 15 years of experience in law enforcement.

However, he was not certain a career in law enforcement was in his future when he first began.

"Actually, I just wanted to be a reserve officer when I first started," he said. "It was something I planned on doing part-time."

Once involved with police work, Eubanks found it was something he enjoyed.

"The more I was around it, the more I liked it and realized it was something I wanted to do with my life. I decided to make a career out of it. I've been doing it ever since."

In his free time, Eubanks enjoys a number of activities. A pilot, he enjoys going up in planes with other members of his flying club in Paragould. He also operates his own photography business. He enjoys numerous outdoor activities.

"I like just about anything outdoors. I like to ride horses, go camping and fishing. I enjoy being outside and being a part of nature."