DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. — Capt. Mark Barnes retired from the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, Sept. 25, following 24 years of law enforcement service.
Barnes served as commander of the agency’s Civil Division, overseeing both the Civil Division and Bailiff/Court Security Division.
His law enforcement career began in 2004 with the Guilford Technical Community College Police Department. He joined the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office in 2006, beginning his career with the agency in the Civil Division.
During his time with the Sheriff’s Office, Barnes served in several assignments, including the Patrol Division, Breaking and Entering Task Force, Criminal Investigation Division, Professional Standards Bureau and Civil Division.
He advanced through the ranks during his career, serving as a detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain.
Barnes earned an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate and the Sheriff Service Award from the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission. He also served as the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office training coordinator and as a general instructor.
Sheriff Richie Simmons presented Barnes with his Certificate of Retirement, retirement credentials and service weapon during a ceremony Sept. 25. Simmons recognized Barnes for his leadership and years of service to the agency and Davidson County residents.
Although Barnes has retired from his full-time position, the Sheriff’s Office said he will continue serving the agency as a reserve deputy.
