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Derrick D. Sanders

Deputy Sheriff (Ret.) & MHFA National Trainer
Clark County Sheriff's Office
Marshall, Illinois

Derrick Sanders' career is marked by a distinguished blend of military service and dedication to law enforcement and mental health education. Serving his country as an active duty member of the United States Army, Derrick served in the Military Police Corps for nearly five years, with his service exemplified through two combat deployments in Southwest Asia during and following Desert Storm. His commitment and professionalism were recognized through several esteemed military awards and decorations.

Transitioning to civilian service, Derrick continued to serve as a Deputy Sheriff in Clark County, Illinois. With over 18 years of additional law enforcement service, Derrick earned certifications as a Juvenile Officer, a Crisis Intervention Team member, and a Hostage Negotiator, acquiring advanced training across three phases, demonstrating his commitment to assisting those with mental health challenges.

In the realm of mental wellness, Derrick is a certified Mental Health First Aid USA instructor for both Adult and Youth curricula, accredited by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. His proficiency is further underscored by his role as a National Trainer, where he travels the country, and along with his colleagues, certifies new instructors while equipping them with the knowledge to spread Mental Health First Aid awareness and support throughout various sectors and communities. Additionally, Derrick holds Community Specific Course designations from MHFA for specific areas of training for Public Safety, Corrections, Fire/EMS, Veterans and Military members and their families, Older Adults, Higher Education, and Rural. Each of these communities have specific cultural areas to highlight, discuss and facilitate.

His leadership extends to the governance of mental health initiatives in Clark County, where Derrick actively participates as a Board Member of the 708 Mental Health Board. His influence has also previously spanned several community-planning and trustee positions, such as an appointed member of the Clark County Local Emergency Planning Committee and as an elected Township Trustee for Wabash Township in Clark County Illinois, illustrating his dedication to systemic improvement and community wellbeing.

An entrepreneur, Derrick founded and is the Managing Member of Alliance Community Training, LLC, a company specializing in mental health education at the community, regional, and national level, and also Sanders Group, LLC, which focuses on business management, property investment and leasing. Both enterprises are designated by the US Department of Veteran Affairs and recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as 'Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses."

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