I began my law enforcement career at the detention center in April 2010. Although I was offered opportunities to advance to supervision positions and become a sergeant leading shifts within my three-and-a-half years at the jail, I instead kept my initial position and made my family a priority. I went through the Basic Mandate Law Enforcement Program to become a road deputy and graduated in 2013 with Class 264 and was voted most dependable. I went back to the detention center as an Assistant Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC).I went to the road as a patrol deputy for four years and became a Field Training Officer (FTO). I was offered the chance to be an investigator, but chose to work as a School Resource Deputy at Rabun County Schools and was there for five years. During my time as a School Resource Deputy, I was the coordinator for Safe Kids Rabun and was the first Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) instructor to establish the C.H.A.M.P.S. Academy for fifth grade students. I was then offered an administrative position as captain, and later major, overseeing operations of the Rabun County Detention Center in 2020. I loved being a School Resource Deputy, but always wanted to make a difference at the detention center. “Deep down, I knew I always wanted to be jail administrator,” I knew as a leader at the jail I could make an impact on an individuals’ life.” While serving as captain, Darnell oversaw the building of the addition to the detention center and managed the facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The detention center also facilitated the first-ever baptisms of both male and female inmates while I as the leader. I have experience working with multiple community partners including Unite RABUN (Recovery And Behavioral Health United Network); Healthy Georgia; and Avita Community Partners, MTN task force, among others. Iam involved with programs offering inmates mental health and addiction planning. I have spent the many years of my law enforcement career building relationships with local offices such as the district attorney and commissioners, connections which are beneficial in my roles as chief deputy, and Sheriff when appointed by Governor Brian Kemp.I also has additional training in Human Resources (HR), risk assessment/analysis, and supervision and management courses and my chief certification. I also have years of experience in budget management, hiring, recruiting, employee evaluation, and managing venders.