Duty & Decorum: The Steady Presence of Deputy John Blunkall

In the quiet hum of a Garland County courtroom, where the stakes are often high and emotions run higher, one figure remains steady — a watchful guardian of order and respect. Deputy John Blunkall, Court Bailiff and Army veteran, brings a calm but commanding presence that is rooted in ten years of military service and a decade of experience in law enforcement.

Blunkall’s journey began in the Arkansas Army National Guard, where he served for ten years, including a deployment to Africa. There, his responsibilities were as diverse as they were demanding: leading a fireteam of six Soldiers, coordinating military flights in and out of the country, and overseeing security for Navy Seabees as they constructed a clinic for children and expectant mothers.

“It was a mission that required adaptability,” he recalls. “You had to think on your feet and take care of your people — no matter what came your way.”

That sense of responsibility carried into civilian life. Blunkall transitioned from military service into law enforcement, first working patrol and detention before finding his place in the courtroom. Though the environment changed, some principles remained constant.

“The use of Chain of Command and treatment of detainees awaiting hearings were similar,” he explains, “but much of what I learned in law enforcement differed from my previous training and experiences in the Army.”

As a Garland County District Court Bailiff, Blunkall’s role is multi-faceted — part protector, part peacekeeper, and part educator in courtroom etiquette.

“I’m charged with the safety and security of everyone in the courthouse,” he says. “My role is primarily to protect the Judge, and secondarily to enforce the rules of decorum in the courtroom. Without a law enforcement presence, it would be difficult for the Judge to accomplish their job in relative order.”

That discipline and professionalism are hallmarks of his work.

“When it comes to interacting with the public, everything is fairly common sense,” Blunkall says. “Each individual is responsible for their own behavior. When their behavior becomes less than acceptable, I’m there to remind them to act reasonably.” His approach — firm, fair, and consistent — has earned him respect from judges, attorneys, and defendants alike.

When asked about maintaining rapport in such a diverse environment, he emphasizes balance. “Remain vigilant, constant, and fair. I can be friendly and firm at the same time,” he explains. “It helps to have good rapport, but that’s a two-way street. My job is to enforce the rules, not play favorites.”

Though Blunkall isn’t directly involved in sentencing or rehabilitation, he understands the larger impact of his role.

“I ensure the law is enforced and that charged individuals have their day in court,” he says. “I hope that my drive to pursue justice as a bailiff is seen by others as a plea to the public to follow the law.”

Through the Smart Justice District Court Initiative (SJDCI), Blunkall has seen firsthand how new approaches can transform lives.

“Many of the people that interact with SJDCI are encouraged to put as much into the program as they get out of it,” he reflects. “Seeing people change their lifestyle in order to better themselves is refreshing. For many that come into this building, fear is the main feeling. It’s good to see at least some pass through here with hope in their eyes.”

After years of military service and law enforcement experience, Blunkall’s perspective has been shaped by one guiding truth — control what you can, and let go of what you can’t.

“Stay prepared and stop worrying,” he advises. “The thing you’re worried about is going to happen or not happen whether you worry about it or not. Prepare yourself as best you can for what you can control. If you can’t control it, you shouldn’t be worrying about it.”

In a courthouse where tempers can flare and tensions can rise, Deputy John Blunkall stands as a reminder that true authority comes from discipline, empathy, and steadiness — qualities honed in uniform and carried into the heart of the justice system every single day.