By 1808Delaware
Detective Darren Smith is hanging up his badge after an illustrious 31-year career in law enforcement. Having joined the Powell Police Department in 1997, Smith has been a cornerstone of the community, embodying the values of integrity, dedication, and service. Interim Chief of Police Ron Sallows lauded Smith’s contributions, stating, “He has been an integral part of our department, successfully collaborating with a variety of teams for his investigative efforts.”
Accolades and Achievements
Throughout his tenure, Detective Smith has been cited for excellence, earning the title of Officer of the Year four times. His exemplary service didn’t go unnoticed at the county level either; he was honored with the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office “Top Cop” award in 2012, 2014, and 2020. Detective Ryan Pentz summed it up best: “Darren has been an amazing asset to the City of Powell. He will be missed at the Powell Police Department and throughout the law enforcement community.”
Beyond the Beat: Contributions to Specialized Units
Detective Smith’s impact extends beyond the streets of Powell. Since 2014, he has been working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation / Human Trafficking Unit. His efforts culminated last year when he assisted the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office in establishing the Delco C.A.R.T. (Child Abduction Response Team), making it the first certified C.A.R.T. team in the State of Ohio. Smith also achieved the status of Master Evidence Technician through the Ohio Police Officer’s Training Commission.
The Next Chapter: From Detective to Chief Bailiff
While Detective Smith may be retiring from the Powell Police Department, his journey in serving the community is far from over. He will be taking on the role of Chief Bailiff at the Delaware Municipal Court, ensuring that his experience and skills continue to benefit the public.
Source, Photo: City of Powell
