Although Jim Arnold has only been in the Senate for two sessions, he has already made his mark.

A longtime public servant, State Senator Jim Arnold was elected to fulfill the unexpired term for Senate District 8 in March 2007. Arnold retired as the LaPorte County Sheriff on January 1, 2007 after serving 36 years in law enforcement. During his 32 years with the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, Arnold served as a Deputy, Sergeant, Captain and Chief Deputy before being elected as Sheriff in 1999. Arnold also worked in the LaPorte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as Chief Investigator/Paralegal for four years.

While serving as LaPorte County Sheriff, Arnold served in statewide and national leadership positions, including the former President of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association and on the National Sheriffs' Association Board of Directors. He has also served on numerous committees for the National Sheriffs’ Association and remains active as an instructor.

Born in Michigan City, Indiana, Arnold’s public service career began in the United States Air Force where he served as an air traffic controller. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, he joined the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office. Arnold later enlisted and served three years with the United States Army Reserves where he attended and instructed in a variety of specialized classes.

Arnold earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Valparaiso University and a paralegal certificate from Indiana University. He has completed extensive training as a law enforcement officer and is a graduate of the 5th Basic Session of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy; 103rd Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Va.; Southern Policy Institute Homicide School at Louisville, Ky.; National Sheriff’s Institute at Longmont, Co.; Law Enforcement Executive Development Series at Quantico, Va. Arnold was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Joe Kernan in 2004.

An involved member of the community, Arnold is a member of several local organizations, including the LaPorte Lodge #54 Fraternal Order of Police, Order of DeMolay; American Legion Skwiat Post #451; St. Joseph’s Young Men’s Society; Michigan City Lions Club; Post 911 Am Vets – Rolling Prairie. He is also a member of the FBI National Academy Associates of Indiana and the United States. In 2007 Arnold was presented with the Superintendent’s Award for Excellence by Indiana State Prison Superintendent Ed G. Buss for his longstanding support of LaPorte County correctional facilities and employees.

Senator Arnold resides in LaPorte, Indiana, along with his wife Lauren. They have seven children and ten grandchildren.