Darin Church - Indigent Defense Services

Darin Church has an associate's degree in criminal justice. 

Darin is the founder of TruNorth Driver Education. He has run the private driver education school in Deep Gap since it opened in October. He previously served for 11 years as lieutenant of investigations at the Blowing Rock Police Department and began his law enforcement career in 1998 with the Watauga Medical Center Hospital Police, retiring after 26 years in law enforcement.

Police Benevolent Foundation Spotlight - High County Chapter ...

Darin is the founder of TruNorth Driver Education and a retired law enforcement lieutenant. 

Darin's campaign for sheriff is his first run for public office. 

2026 North Carolina General Election

Prioritizes proactive community outreach by being visible, accessible, and engaged throughout our county.

Believes deputies deserve strong leadership that supports their well-being and gives them the tools they need to succeed.

- Prioritizes proactive community outreach by being visible, accessible, and engaged throughout our county.
- Believes deputies deserve strong leadership that supports their well-being and gives them the tools they need to succeed.
- Aims to reduce crime rates.

Public Safety

As of January 5, 2026, Darin Church’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Jail Management

Criminal Justice

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Darin Church

As of January 5, 2026, Darin Church did not have a website or any information online.

Primary ballot set with contested local races - Watauga Democrat

Darin Church is from Deep Gap, North Carolina. He has an associate's degree in criminal justice from Wilkes Community College. He has a daughter.

Darin is the owner of TruNorth Driving School. He previously worked as a police officer with the Boone Police Department.

Darin opened the school to give parents another in-county option for driver’s education and to keep costs as cost-effective as possible for families.

Darin Church's campaign for Watauga Sheriff is his first entry into politics.

Darin is from Deep Gap, North Carolina. He attended Watauga High School. He has an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Wilkes Community College. He lives with his daughter in Deep Gap.

Alejandra Gracias

Buket Urgen

Len (LD) Hagaman, Jr.

- The sheriff is responsible for enforcing the law, managing security in jails and courtrooms. They also oversee daily conditions of the jail and inmates in custody and serve legal documents such as warrants and eviction notices. Their ultimate responsibility is to protect the community. 

Responsible for enforcing the law and overseeing jails. 