Sheriff Darren Hooker is originally from Norman, Oklahoma and has been in Law Enforcement for 20 years. He graduated from high school in 1986 and immediately joined the U.S. Army. After receiving training as a Military Policeman and attending airborne school, he was stationed at Ft. Bragg, N.C. While there, Sheriff Hooker deployed twice to the Republic of Panama, Canada and various other stateside locations. He served in various leadership positions including team leader, Jumpmaster and patrol supervisor.

          In August of 1990, Sheriff Hooker was reassigned to U.S. Army Europe where he served as a Physical Security Supervisor for a HAWK missile site. He was inducted into the SGT Morales leadership club and won various other leadership awards. After the HAWK unit deactivated, Sheriff Hooker was reassigned to the 3^rd Infantry Division in Kitizegen, Germany.

          In April of 1993, Sheriff Hooker rotated back to the United States and was assigned to Ft. Bliss, TX. Sheriff Hooker served in the Provost Marshall’s Office and at McGregor Range as the Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of Military Police Range Operations. In January, 1996, Sheriff Hooker terminated his tour with the Army and moved to Portales.

          After starting college at ENMU, Sheriff Hooker began working at the University Police Department. He received his New Mexico Police Certification in December, 1996. In 1997, Sheriff Hooker worked for the Portales Police Department. In 1999 he began at the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office.         

          Sheriff Hooker joined the New Mexico National Guard in March, 1996 and was deployed to Iraq in March, 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sheriff Hooker retired as a Captain from the National Guard with 22 years of service.  In 2007, Sheriff Hooker received his Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College.  Sheriff Hooker is a graduate of the National Sheriff’s Institute and he holds his Command level certificate. Sheriff Hooker is currently the President of the New Mexico Sheriff’s Association. Sheriff Hooker has been re-elected to his second, four year term as Sheriff.

          Sheriff Hooker is married to the former Cecily Hudson of Portales, NM and has four children, Josh 15, Morgan 12, Grace 9 and Griffin 7.