Captain Dean Willard is a pivotal leader within the Coffee County Sheriff's Office, responsible for planning, supervising, and reviewing operations across multiple divisions within the agency. Appointed to the rank of Captain by Sheriff Fred Cole in 2025, Captain Willard brings a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge to the position.

His career in law enforcement began in 1996, and over the past 14 years with the Coffee County Sheriff's Office, he has served in a variety of critical roles. These include Corporal and K9 Handler in the Narcotics Division, as well as Road Patrol Corporal where he held supervisory responsibilities. Captain Willard also previously oversaw operations within the Coffee County Jail, where he was responsible for the planning, supervision, and review of all activities within the Jail Division.

In 2026, Captain Willard transitioned from the Jail Division and was assigned to serve as Captain over the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and the Drug Unit. In this capacity, he oversees several specialized enforcement teams, including the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit, the K-9 Unit, and the Drug Interdiction and Criminal Enforcement Unit (D.I.C.E.). Through these assignments, Captain Willard directs narcotics enforcement operations, investigative initiatives, and proactive interdiction efforts aimed at combating drug trafficking and serious criminal activity throughout Coffee County.