Rudie Galbert was born in Camden, Arkansas on December 10, 1944, to Ms. Lucinda Slaughter and Mr. Jimmie Galbert. Rudie was raised by his grandmother, Josie Criner Slaughter. Rudie Galbert’s mother relocated to Juneau, Alaska, and married Cleveland Burley. Rudie’s brother, James Galbert, and sisters, Sonja Galbert Lemons, and Danette Burley Looney.

Rudie Galbert attended Northside Elementary School and later graduated from Lincoln High School. Rudie was a member of the Lincoln marching band and played football for the “Mighty Tigers”. He worked for Moore’s Lumber Yard from the time he was in the 6^th grade until he graduated from high school. After graduating in 1962, Rudie enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was trained at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. After he finished basic training, he was sent overseas to serve in Turkey and Japan. Upon completing his time in service for his country, Rudie returned to Camden.

In 1966 Rudie Galbert made history and was hired as the 1^st black police for the city of Camden under the leadership of the chief of police, G.B. Cole.

In 1969, Rudie joined the Ouachita County Sheriff Department under the leadership of Sheriff’s Jerry Mcmahen, becoming the 2^nd black Deputy Sheriff in Ouachita County.

In 1968, Rudie married his high school sweetheart, Irene Vaughan. Rudie and Irene have been married for 57 years. Rudie and Irene have three sons: Retired (USAF) Lt. Colonel Rudie Darnell Galbert (Staci), Colonel (USAF) Johnny Lavar Galbert (Audrian), and Thurman Duane Galbert. One daughter, Teresa Kirk Randle (Fayetteville, AR), and God-daughter, Regina Ross (Little Rock, AR).  Granddaughters: Mexiandra Galbert, Breanna Kirk, Liyah Deshae Galbert, Alana Rene Galbert, Kaysen McKenize Galbert, Elle Samatha Galbert, Chole Savanna Galbert, Liala Simone Galbert and Amiriona A. Galbert. Grandsons: Dakota Galbert, Rudie Trey Galbert III, Jordan Isahia Galbert, Jonathan Micah Galbert, Joshua Mykeal Galbert.

Rudie is the chairman of the deacon board at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church. He is a member of the trustee board, ex-Sunday school teacher, and bus ministry supervisor.

Rudie has received many awards and recognitions:

• President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Obama
• Man of the Year Award
• Special Recognition for Service, Faithfulness, Generosity and Love at the Greater St. Paul Baptist Church
• Sunday School Teacher Award (Annual Men’s Day Service)
• Certificate of Recognition from Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Black History Committee
• Church Women United Humanitarian Award
• Special Recognition for Year of Service and Dedication in Brotherhood Ministry
• Citizen of Ouachita County Award by Sheriff Robert Earl Garner
• Community Service Award from the South Arkansas Black Achievers
• Service Award for Law Enforcement for City and County from Sheriff Paul Lucas

Rudie retired from Ouachita County in 2016 after working 44 years for the county. He was the 1^st black superintendent for Ouachita County and Highway Department. Rudie was awarded “Dedication service to the people of Ouachita County” and Outstanding Leadership to our County as Road Superintendent by County Judge Robert McAdoo.