Meet the candidate
A lifetime of service to Marion County
Thirty years in law enforcement. Deputy, chief, instructor, and neighbor — Thomas Vaughn is ready to lead the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
Biography
From the street to the chief's office
Thomas Vaughn began his law enforcement career with the Marion County Sheriff's Office in 1997 and has served as Chief of Police for the Southport Police Department since 2014. A respected 30-year law enforcement veteran, he is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and is a certified law enforcement instructor.
Having served both as a Marion County deputy sheriff and as a municipal police chief, Vaughn brings a unique perspective to the office — he has worked the street, led a department, trained others, and knows what it takes to keep communities safe while treating people with dignity.
As Sheriff, he is committed to improving public safety, enhancing accountability, supporting deputies and civilian staff, and restoring public confidence in the agency.
- MCSO deputy since 1997
- Southport Chief since 2014
- FBI National Academy graduate
- Indiana LE Academy graduate
- Certified LE instructor
- Medal of Valor recipient
Recognition
Honors & awards
A career marked by courage, leadership, and service — recognized by peers and the community.
- Honor 01
Medal of Valor
Recognized for extraordinary courage in the line of duty — the highest mark of bravery among peers.
- Honor 02
Life Saver Award
Honored for actions that preserved life when every second counted.
- Honor 03
Indiana Law Enforcement Herman Freed Leadership Award
Statewide recognition for leadership that raises the standard for Indiana law enforcement.
- Honor 04
Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service
A community honor for public service that puts neighbors first.
Rooted here
Family & community
A lifelong Marion County resident, married to his high school sweetheart for 39 years, three children, ten grandchildren.
Marion County is not just a jurisdiction on a map — it is home. Raising a family here, serving neighbors here, and asking for the privilege to lead the Sheriff's Office here means every decision is personal.
- Years married
- 39
- Children
- 3
- Grandchildren
- 10
In uniform
Photo gallery
Official and campaign portraits — the same professional who has led Southport and served Marion County for three decades.
Chief of Police, Southport Police Department 
Candidate for Marion County Sheriff