NRA Names OK County Sheriff’s Deputy 2014 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

Mark Vaughan
NRA Names OK County Sheriff’s Deputy, Mark Vaughan, 2014 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
National Rifle Association
National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. –-(Ammoland.com)- The National Rifle Association is proud to announce the selection of Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Vaughan as its 2014 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

On September 24, 2014, an employee of a commercial food distributor in Moore, Oklahoma, was suspended for the violation of work rules and harassment of employees.  After initially leaving the office, he returned with an 8-inch long serrated knife and crashed his vehicle into a car parked in front of the business.  He then entered the main office and attacked Colleen Hufford, the first employee he came upon, and murdered her by decapitation.

Hearing screams from the attack, Mark Vaughan, CEO of the business and an off-duty Reserve Deputy with the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department, took action.  Quickly evaluating the tactical needs of the incident, he retrieved his Patrol Rifle and sought out the suspect.

While Deputy Vaughan moved into action, the perpetrator was seeking another victim.  Finding Traci Johnson, he attacked and cut across her throat and the left side of her face.  Stepping within view of the suspect, Deputy Vaughan saw the ongoing assault and shot the suspect to end the attack.

There is no doubt that without the immediate valorous actions of Deputy Vaughan the suspect would have claimed several more lives. The Deputy’s actions were best summarized by Sheriff John Whetsel.

“Mark put an end to the threat by shooting the suspect and saving the life of the second victim who was actively being attacked.  There is every reason to believe that the lives of untold others were saved who would have been targeted by the suspect if it had not been for Deputy Vaughan’s actions.”

Deputy Vaughan’s heroic actions, under the most stressful and confusing circumstances as well as his decision to neutralize the suspect, even though it placed him in great personal danger, are a credit to himself, his department, the community he serves, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of law enforcement.

As such, it is with great honor and pride that the National Rifle Association recognizes Deputy Vaughan of the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office for his valorous actions by naming him the 2014 NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.   The NRA also passes on its condolences to the family and friends of Colleen Hufford, and wish Traci Johnson a speedy recovery with best wishes for her future.

“The actions of Deputy Vaughan on September 24th were nothing short of heroic. Thinking quickly and clearly, he put an end to an unspeakable rampage,” said National Rifle Association President Jim Porter. “The National Rifle Association is honored to name Deputy Vaughan as NRA’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.”

NRA’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award was established in 1993 and recognizes an exceptional act or service by a law enforcement officer and is administered by the NRA Law Enforcement Division. Nominations are accepted from anyone having knowledge of the nominee’s actions. This includes, but is not limited to, the nominee’s agency head, other law enforcement officials, elected officials, fellow officers, community leaders, interested citizens, and NRA members.

View the NRA Officer of the Year Nomination Form to see eligibility information, award categories, and complete information at https://le.nra.org/documents/pdf/law/leoy.pdf.

Nominations may be sent at any time throughout the year, but must be received by October 15th. For more information, call 703-267-1649 or e-mail to [email protected].

About the National Rifle Association
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Five million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and is the leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit https://nra.org.