Tomorrow, I’ll be introducing Darren when he speaks to the Rotary Club of Lake Murray/Irmo . When Darren visited the club with me last week, a member said “I thought he was your bodyguard”. Well, I wouldn’t mind that and he definitely would be more than qualified!

I first met Darren roughly 20 years ago when we both were at USC and both would visit the Elbow Room . Well, him working…me visiting. He was always the “gentle giant” and had a business sense about him that few knew. After college, I lost track of him until a few years back, when our paths crossed again. I was very impressed with what he’s done since school.

It’s always good to hear of success stories in our state. Even more so when they come from right here in our community!

* Owner/Vice President for S.O.R.D. International

* Over 19 years of Law Enforcement and having been involved in the planning and operational stages of over 200 high risk operations.

* Former Division commander of Special Operations with a Sheriff’s Office in SC

* Accredited police instructor through the SC Justice Academy

* One of four officers in the United States in 2001 to receive the Beretta Recognition Award for Valor and Excellence for his actions on a Hostage Rescue S.W.A.T call out which was presented in Washington, DC.

* He is currently the Vice President of the South Carolina Police Training Officers Association and on the Board of Directors for the South Eastern S.W.A.T. Association.

* Director of Security for Warner Brother musical Artist Josh Groban for last four years and provides security services to numerous other celebrity and corporate clients around the world.

* Married to wife Tracey for 16 years and has two sons that attend Dutch Fork Middle and Dutch Fork High School.