Jasper County, TX — The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office is receiving what county officials believe is the largest donation in the agency’s history after two warehouses, office space and surrounding property were donated to the county.
Mark Harken and Tommy Harken Jr. donated the property on North Fletcher Street in Jasper, behind the former Casa Olé. The property is valued at approximately $400,000, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The buildings previously belonged to their father, Tom Harken, a businessman, motivational speaker and founder of the Jasper County Historical Museum who died in 2013.
The Jasper County Judge and Commissioners accepted the donation Monday.
Sheriff Chuck Havard said the additional facilities will help the agency expand and improve its operations. Plans include using the property for:
• Employee fitness and training
• Additional office space
• Storage
• Potential community outreach and public events
Jasper County Judge Mark Allen said the off-site location will provide additional space for law enforcement operations and benefit county residents for years to come.
Mark Harken said the family considered several options for the property before deciding the Sheriff’s Office was deserving of the donation, adding that he believed it was what his father would have wanted.
