For Immediate Release

July 10, 2017

DeFuniak Springs, Fla—The rays of sun coming through the windows in Sheriff Michael Adkinson’s office were not the only thing beaming as Connor Gunn raised his right hand.

Rewind nearly four years ago, Gunn graduated from the first ever Citizen Academy at Walton County Sheriff’s Office. It was there Gunn would discover his love for law enforcement.

“After that, I applied for the Walton County Sheriff’s Posse in early 2014,” said Gunn, who volunteered with the Posse for almost three and a half years.

If he wasn’t working as a security guard at Sandestin Resort, he was volunteering with the Posse.

“In my spare time I rode with other deputies and tried to learn as much as I could about the field,” said Gunn.

Due to financial obligations, Gunn was unable to afford to attend the law enforcement academy on his own, even while working a part time job.

“In September 2016, Sheriff offered me a sponsorship to attend the law enforcement academy at Florida Panhandle Technical College in Chipley,” said Gunn. “I began attending the academy in January of this year, and passed my state exam on June 29th.”

Fast forward to present day. Sheriff Adkinson administers the oath office and the two shake hands. Now, it is Deputy Connor Gunn.

“Honestly, the journey has just begun,” said Gunn. “I’m really excited to begin my career. I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity the Sheriff has given me and I’m excited to head out and serve the community in which I live.”

“It’s important for us to invest in those who are vested in their community,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “It’s a proud moment for the Sheriff’s Office family.”