BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — Family and friends who loved Benton County Detective Paul Newell came together to honor him one year after the tragic crash that took his life while he was escorting the Wreaths Across America procession through Bentonville.
On Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, the Benton County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) added his name to the statue of fallen officers in Benton County.
Sherriff Holloway remembered Newell at the ceremony, "He would always do whatever you asked him to, either with a smile or that Paul stare we all know. He was a great man who will be missed, and he will always be remembered by the sheriff's office and the community for his service. He paid the ultimate sacrifice."
Detective Paul Newell was known for many things— his generosity, his kindness, and his love for those around him.
"He was a giver. He never took much. He was just always willing to help whoever needed it. If you needed anything done, you just asked Paul. He was Johnny on the spot. He never asked why— he just jumped in and did it," said Newell's wife, Charlene.
At the memorial service, the sheriff's office and Wreaths Across America gifted Newell's family teddy bears made out of his uniform with his end-of-watch date written on them, a gift Charlene Newell said will give them comfort.
"These are very, very special, and very sentimental. When they brought those to me, it took my breath away," Charlene Newell said. "The holidays make it even more tough, hard, and emotional, but you know that they're in a better place. They're always there with us in spirit."
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