Kim Varner is a retired detective, his insight and experience with community policing is deeply personal — the Varners’ eldest son, Kim “Desi” Varner, Jr., was shot and killed in front of their home in 2015, prompting Kim to continue anti-gun violence work throughout the city where he was born and raised his family.

Kim’s 26-year career with the Jacksonville (FL) Sheriff’s Office spanned many divisions, including homicide, narcotics, organized crime and patrol, the robbery unit and SWAT team. He also was a member of the JSO honor guard and hiring board. Kim later served as a homicide investigator/mitigation specialist in the Office of the Public Defender for Florida’s 4th Judicial Circuit. And as Head of NFL Security for the Jacksonville Jaguars, he handled background and player investigations among other duties involving NFL personnel and families. 

Kim attended Morehouse College, for which he played football, and holds an associate’s degree from Florida Junior College. He coached Pop Warner football and AAU basketball.