Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes New Undersheriff

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Sep 26 2016 3:09 PM

Retired FBI agent Steve Harker has come on board as the new Undersheriff at the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, replacing former Undersheriff Don Adams. Harker joins the OCSO after 24 years with the FBI, serving as a Special Agent in multiple capacities ranging from investigating drug trafficking cartels and white collar crimes, to working violent crimes, domestic terrorism, civil rights violations and fraud.

Harker has a BS degree in Accounting and Business Administration from San Diego State as well as a Masters of Arts degree in Theological Studies from Liberty University. Prior to his law enforcement career, Harker served in the U.S. Army as a Fire Team Leader and Sniper Team Leader in the U.S. Army’s Ranger Regiment and also served two years with the California National Guard as an Indirect Infantry Mortar Section Leader.

Harker says he initially did not plan to return to working, but accepted Sheriff Larry Ashley’s offer to join the OCSO due to his confidence in the Sheriff’s leadership and vision. Harker says he has worked with Sheriff Ashley professionally, and known him personally, for many years. Sheriff Ashley added, “We want to keep pushing for ways to improve our agency and become efficient. We’ve accomplished a lot in the last six years and we have more we want to accomplish.

I can’t think of anyone better than Steve to help us do that.” Undersheriff Harker, a Niceville area resident, is married with one son. He is a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Niceville and lists his hobbies as SCUBA diving and woodworking.

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