Alachua County Sheriff Darnell sees positive changes

By Lise Fisher, Sun staff writer

Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell plans to remain in office.

Darnell, 56, is running this year to retain her position as the county's- sheriff. She won the office in 2006 after then-Sheriff Steve Oelrich left the office in his successful bid to become a state senator, leaving two years left in his term.

"I know I am the most qualified person for sheriff, based upon my education, expertise and experience," Darnell said.

Darnell spoke about positive changes that have been made at the Sheriff's Office under her administration.

"I'm showcasing my accomplishments so far during a short time period," she said, noting that sworn staff members at the Alachua County jail now have portable radios, the implementation of community-oriented policing has been implemented around the county, and the Teen Driver Challenge program aimed at reducing fatal crashes involving teenagers has been organized.

Looking ahead to continuing as sheriff, Darnell said she plans work at the jail with a re-entry program for offenders who want to "change their lives." The program offers support to inmates going back into society, primarily with jobs and education. "Right now, if you get released from the jail, you walk out the door and you're on your own," she said.

Darnell was born in Alachua County. She served 30 years at the Gainesville Police Department, retiring as a captain in 2005. Different areas she oversaw at the agency include budget, investigations, narcotics, patrol, communications, management analysis, and public information. After retiring as an officer, Darnell became the community relations coordinator for the police department.

Darnell became a familiar face to many in the Gainesville area when she served as the spokeswoman for the police department during the 1990 student murders investigation that ended with the arrest of convicted killer Danny Rolling.

Darnell will face Lonnie Scott on the Aug. 26 ballot.