Sheriff Will Akin has over 27 years of combined experience in the military and law enforcement. With over 8 years of active duty service in the United States Army, Will gained leadership and management experience as both a Non-Commissioned Officer and as a Chief Warrant Officer. He enlisted in the Army in October 1994 and after working four years as a Parachute Rigger; he attended the Army’s flight program and spent the next four years as a pilot flying the UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter. After being honorably discharged from the Army in February 2003, he began his law enforcement career when he attended the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy in April 2003. As a Police Advisor in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2012, Will assessed, monitored, advised, and mentored local police in order to ensure that law and order were maintained effectively and impartially according to the principles of policing. Topics under advisement during his time overseas included logistics, training, finance, case management, and operations. Will worked closely with the Department of Defense, Department of State, United Nations, and his Afghan counterparts to address issues concerning gender and human rights violations and worked toward solutions that were compatible with Afghanistan’s culture. Sheriff Will Akin joined the Clay County Sheriff’s Office in January 2013 as a Lieutenant in Field Operations. After his promotion to Captain in June 2015, he served as the Division Commander of the Emergency Preparedness Division and oversaw operations for Emergency Management, the 9-1-1 Communications Center, Public Information, and Media Relations. Will was also the appointed Director of Emergency Management for Clay County and served in that capacity until December 31, 2020. On January 1, 2021, Will assumed his new duties as the 42nd Sheriff of Clay County’s 200 year history. Will is an active member in the community as well. He serves as the Post Commander for the Liberty Memorial VFW Post #4043, is a member of the American Legion Post #95, and the Liberty Rotary Club #6040. Originally from California, Will has lived in many states throughout the U.S. as well as South Korea and Afghanistan. Will earned an A.S. in Behavioral Science from Georgia Military College, a B.S. in Criminal Justice and his M.B.A. in Management from California Coast University, a Graduate Certificate from the University of Virginia in Criminal Justice Education, and his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from Olivet Nazarene University in Ethical Leadership. Will is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 264
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