Suffolk News-Herald

Lt. James Darden Jr. recently became the first employee from the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office to graduate from the FBI National Academy in Quantico.

The internationally acclaimed 11-week course includes advanced studies in leadership development, behavioral science, communications, forensic science, and legal and physical fitness.

&uot;I was extremely honored to have been selected to attend the national academy,&uot; said Darden. &uot;Sheriff Isaacs strives toward excellence in his staff and he promotes professionalism and takes advantage of every educational opportunity for his staff.&uot;

Darden was one of 240 men and women hailing from 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, 22 countries, two military organizations and three federal civilian organizations.

&uot;Lt. Darden is a 16-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and does an excellent job in the performance of his duties,&uot; said Isaacs. &uot;He currently serves as director of security in the Mills E. Godwin Jr. Courts Building.

&uot;He also manages vehicles and equipment for our office, the training budgets, and the part-time deputies.&uot;

Darden is also the training coordinator for the sheriff’s office.

Prior to this assignment, Darden was a jailer at Suffolk’s old City Jail. He has also served with the department’s transportation unit and court security supervisor.

Darden is the son of Margaret and Elvers Holland of Suffolk. When he was 8, Darden’s biological father, James A. Darden Sr., died.

&uot;I grew up in Holland and they (parents) still live there,&uot; said Darden. &uot;I graduated from Forest Glen High in 1985, and later attended Advanced Technology Institute and Paul D. Camp Community College, earning degrees in police science and administration of justice-corrections.&uot;

James and his wife, Lisa, have two sons, Brandon, 12, and Joshua, 7.