DARDANELLE, Ark. (KTHV) -- Inside the Yell County Sheriff’s Office, deputies are among the many mourning the loss of Lieutenant Mainhart.
Lieutenant Mainhart served in law enforcement for more than 20 years and served in Yell County for five years. His loss is being felt by those who knew him.
"Yell County is hurting. We're really hurting," said Dardanelle Judge Terry Sullivan.
There are signs of mourning throughout this small town. From the lowered flags around every corner, to wreaths, even to tears still being shed.
"He was a very good decent officer and you can see the respect that was felt for him here in Dardanelle," Judge Sullivan said.
Judge Sullivan stopped court to witness Friday’s procession to bring Lieutenant Mainhart back to Yell County.
“A little token of respect, the least we could do," he said.
Like many in this town, Judge Sullivan admired Lieutenant Mainhart.
“Very good officer and a decent human being. He will really be missed," he said.
Inside the River Valley Medical Center, the community Chaplain Chuck Hamilton offered comfort to Mainhart's family during that dark Thursday.
“The first question that I’m always asked is why and there’s no answer to that. I can’t answer that," Chaplain Hamilton said.
All who knew him told us the same thing about him.
“Great father great husband, just a great person. Really was,” he said.
In this small river town an obvious void is being felt. With the loss of Lieutenant Mainhart, the community is trying to figure out how to go on without him.
"It’s been a horrible situation and we're still, it will still be here for a while, and it should be," said Dardanelle Mayor Carolyn McGee.
They don’t want to forget, but instead remember his honorable sacrifice.
"We need to let our law enforcement know they are appreciated," said Mayor McGee.
"If you needed something he'd help you if he could. He was a giving person. He was doing what he loved to do," said Chaplain Hamilton.
The Wives of Armor will be holding a fundraiser benefiting Lieutenant Mainhart on Saturday. They will be selling shirts at the Russellville Police Department on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The shirts are $20 each. You can also purchase them online by clicking here.