Chief Deputy Dusty Arnold is a fourth generation Liberty County citizen, where his family dates to living near Telogia, Florida since 1880. Chief Arnold grew up in Telogia, Florida and attended Hosford Elementary and Middle School, and Liberty County High School (LCHS). He graduated LCHS in 2002 and then went on to college at Tallahassee Community College.
In January 2004, Chief Arnold began a ten-year career with the Florida Highway Patrol serving as a State Trooper, felony officer, K9 handler and a task force officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration. While serving as a Trooper, Chief Arnold received several awards to include the U.S. Attorney’s Award and the Florida Narcotics Officer of the Year Award for his role in dismantling a dangerous drug trafficking organization. While working at FHP, Chief Arnold earned an associate and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Purdue University.
In late 2013, Chief Arnold began a seven-year career with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as a Special Agent assigned to protect Governor Rick Scott and the First Family. Two years later, Chief Arnold was promoted to inspector and became the statewide drug, domestic security and counter-terrorism coordinator. Additionally, Chief Arnold investigated major drug crimes and violent crimes in the Tallahassee region. Also, he served several years on the FDLE Special Operations Team as a SWAT operator. While serving as a Special Agent, Chief Arnold received several awards/recognitions to include the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Top Shot Award, FDLE Squad of the Year Award and the FDLE Commissioner’s Medal for his role in the response to the Pulse Night Club shooting. During his time at FDLE, Chief Arnold also earned a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Faulkner University.
In 2021, he was hired by Sheriff Buddy Money at the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office serving as the Director of Law Enforcement and Chief Deputy. Chief Arnold immediately made it his personal mission to clean up the out-of-control meth issue in Liberty County. In 2023, Chief Arnold graduated the 285th session of the FBI National Academy and received a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia. Chief Arnold also serves in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, where he is assigned to a Deployable Specialized Forces group (DSF-PSU 308) as a fire team member. During his time with the Coast Guard, Chief Arnold has earned several medals and awards, to include the National Defense medal, Pistol medal with Expert device, Rifle medal, Good Conduct medal, and Department of Homeland Security Outstanding Unit Award.