To whom it may concern,
My name is Darren Tooson and I am honored to have this opportunity to attend Bethel
University and pursue my Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. I have over 20 years of law enforcement, security, and corrections experience and a Master’s degree is a vital tool in my career goal of being senor executive in a federal law enforcement agency.
I began my career as a third generation Military Policeman I joined the Army when I was 17 as a junior in high school in 1990. I enlisted under a new program where I could attend basic training then attend drills on the weekend and complete my training after I graduated high school. Once I completed my training, I attended Mercer University on a ROTC scholarship. Unfortunately, life
…show more content…
This was a great experience until I served my time and exited the military in 2000 and entered the civilian word as a truck driver.
In 2008, I restarted my career in law enforcement by working as a security guard. Despite my disabilities, I was able to move up in the company and secured a position with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice as a Juvenile Correction Officer while attending college online. Shortly after attaining my degree, I was hired as a Probation Officer with the Georgia Department of Corrections.
During my time with Probation, I became a state instructor and firearms instructor. I enjoyed giving back to the organization that took a chance on me. I was promoted and given the unique opportunity to become a State Parole Officer which I took and ran with it. I set my sights on becoming the best despite my disabilities.
Earlier this year, I was offered the opportunity to become a Veterans Affairs Police Officer and serve the very people that I am so grateful for, my brothers and sisters in arms. I took that opportunity and I am fortunate to be living out my dream and aspire to be a chief of police in one of our offices and