Clarkston High School welcomed back students Monday after a week off for Spring Break, and along with, welcomed in a new police liaison.
Detective Darren Ofiara, of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department in Independence Township, was promoted to detective and CHS school liaison last week, replacing Deputy James Henderson, who has returned to road patrol.
Ofiara, 30, had been working in road patrol with Independence for the past year and a half.
A second generation law enforcement officer, Ofiara began his career eight years ago, after obtaining a criminal justice degree from Oakland Community College.
He was hired in June 1995 to work in the Oakland County Jail, then was promoted in 1999 to a supervisor inside the jail.
In early 2000, Ofiara began road patrol in Addison Township, before transferring here.
The Clarkston High School graduate is looking forward to getting back into the school.
He said he plans a hands-on approach to his new job — working personally with the students, talking to them, and getting to know their safety concerns at school as well as at home.