WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – Damon Barber Sr. and Damon Barber Jr. are father and son at home, but in the classroom, they’re recruits making history in the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office’s Jailers’ Training Academy.
They’re the first father and son to participate in the program simultaneously in Wayne County.
When Damon Jr. approached his dad about his interest in the academy, he said he was supportive.
“He was on board for sure,” said Damon Jr. “I thought he was going to give me like a little bit of a side-eye and be like you sure you want to do this.”
Damon Sr. was so supportive of his son that he decided to join him at the academy, leaving behind a career in corporate America.
“I said, you know what, ‘This may not be bad, let me throw my hat in there as well and try it out,’ and here we are,” said Damon Sr.
That caught Damon Jr. by surprise.
“At first, he looked like Dad, ‘Are you sure,’ you know, (there are) some physical aspects to it,” Damon Sr. said. “You know you haven’t worked out in a while.”
They’re two weeks into their seven-week program to become sheriff’s deputies.
While in the classroom, the father and son relationship shifts.
“Sometimes, it clicks for me to say ‘Dad,’ but then I say Damon Sr,” Damon Jr said. “So, it kind of throws me off. And then, if we’re ever in the car together, so you call me Damon. I’m like I can’t keep calling you Dad.”
A son who has inspired his father to try something new. And in this case, together.
“My son and myself being here is a great example to anyone who’s interested in joining the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office that hey, you can come young, you can come old,” said Damon Sr., who is 51 years old.
Damon Jr., 22, is proud of his dad.
“It kind of fills me up with joy because I always wanted to spend time with him more and more,” Damon Jr. said.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is always looking for new recruits.