Darrell Smith joins Phillips County Sheriff’s Office as deputy

Darrell Smith was sworn in as the newest deputy sheriff at Phillips County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, Dec. 15.

He brings with him 13 years of law enforcement and military-based training that will help him transition to his new role and fulfill his duties.

Smith served in the Navy from 2001-05 and was deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was part of an expeditionary strike group, performing sting operations for antiterrorism throughout the Gulf.

After serving in the Navy, Smith earned his associate degree in business administration and accounting from the University of Phoenix in 2011.

He did accounting work for MV Equipment, now 21st Century Equipment, in Sterling before working at Sterling Correctional Facility for the last nine years.

He held several positions at Sterling Correctional Facility, including corrections officer, housing sergeant, housing lieutenant and squad leader with the emergency response team.

He developed a passion for law enforcement while in Sterling and wanted to work directly in that field as opposed to corrections. He was Peace Officer Standards and Training certified earlier this month.

Smith said he grew up in a little bit of everywhere, but he claims Stockton, California, as his hometown. He graduated from high school in Bucyrus, Ohio.

“I love it. It’s great,” Smith said of Phillips County, adding that he likes the small hometown pride and all the things that come along with that. “I am genuinely excited to be serving the county in this position,” he said.

Smith, his wife and their two children moved to Phillips County about a year and a half ago. In his free time, he enjoys photography, hiking and other activities that allow him to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.