Officer Mark Avery graduated from Bridgewater State University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a concentration in criminology. He worked for the Essex County Sheriff’s Department in Massachusetts as a corrections officer for 16 years and reached the rank of sergeant. Avery was a member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard for 12 Years and reached the rank of captain. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan before going to work for Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Avery has been with Furman University Police for four years.