Will has 26 years of combined military and law enforcement experience. He enlisted in the US Army in 1994 as a parachute rigger, went on to become a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot. While serving in the Army, he gained leadership and management experience as a Non-Commissioned Officer and Chief Warrant Officer, and after being honorably discharged, began his law enforcement career with the Phoenix Police Department in 2003. In 2009 Will accepted an opportunity to work as a Police Advisor in Afghanistan. Will assessed, monitored, advised, and mentored local police in order to ensure that law and order were maintained effectively and impartially, according to the principles of policing. “Mentoring members of the Afghan National Police in logistics, training, finance, case management, and operations was a humbling experience,” said Akin. He worked closely with the Department of Defense, Department of State, United Nations, and his Afghan counterparts to address gender and human rights violations while working toward solutions compatible with Afghanistan’s culture.
Will has brought an innovative leadership style to his position since joining the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
Will now serves as the Division Commander of the Emergency Preparedness Division overseeing operations for Emergency Management, the 9-1-1 Communications Center, Public Information, and Media Relations. Will is the appointed Director of Emergency Management for Clay County, is a Missouri Certified Emergency Manager level 2, and is certified in Disaster Preparedness through the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security. Will is active in multiple committees working toward resolutions to regional projects and activities related to law enforcement and emergency management.
Will is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and serves as the Post Commander at the Liberty Memorial VFW Post #4043, American Legion, Post #95, and the Liberty Rotary Club District #6040, and is a graduate of the 264th session of the FBI National Academy.
Will and his wife Jennifer live in Liberty, Missouri. They have three sons Jerod (24), Travis (21), and Jacob (15).
Will’s education includes an A.S. in Behavioral Science from Georgia Military College, a B.S. in Criminal Justice and an M.B.A. in Management from California Coast University, a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia, and a Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Will is also an adjunct instructor at MidAmerica Nazarene University and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with up and coming professionals.