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Portrait of John Vaught

Honor Society® member

John Vaught

  • Lamar University
  • criminal justice
  • Class of 2026
  • Canyon, TX

Member since January 2026

About

I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice program at Lamar University. My current GPA is 3.90. I achieved a 4.0 GPA last semester at Lamar University with an 18-hour course load earning a position on the President’s List. I was on the Dean’s List prior to this past semester. I anticipate being able to graduate in Fall 2026. After completing my undergraduate degree, I intend to begin the MBA Criminal Justice program.

I currently work full time while attending college. I am the Chief of Police for Timbercreek Canyon Police Department. Prior to being appointed Chief I worked as the Assistant Chief. Prior to Timbercreek Canyon I was Sergeant SWAT-Paramedic for the Randall County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to working at Randall County Sheriff’s Office, I worked as a Paramedic for BSA Hospital EMS. I am also an Adjunct Instructor for ALERRT out of Texas State University. In addition, I served in the United States Army National Guard for 9 years achieving the rank of Sergeant.

I have received multiple life saving awards while working for the Randall County Sheriff’s Office. I served as Chief Training Officer for BSA EMS. While serving in the U.S. Army I was awarded an Army Commendation Medal, Adjutant General’s Medal, Gold German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, and Expert in Competition Pistol Badge.

In addition to working full-time while pursuing my degree I also have a family with three children.

Education

  • Lamar University

    Criminal Justice

    2025 – 2026

  • Amarillo College

    Peace Officer

    2012 – 2013

  • West Texas A&M University

    Biology

    2009 – 2010

  • Clarendon College

    General

    2006 – 2008

Honors and awards

  • Dean's List

    Lamar University Dean's List

  • President's List

    Lamar University President's List

  • Life Saving Award

    Randall County Sheriff's Office Life Saving Award

  • Valedictorian

    Amarillo College Peace Officer Academy

  • Army Commendation Medal

    U.S. Army Commendation Medal

  • Adjutant Generals Medal

    U.S. Army

  • Gold German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge

    U.S. Army

  • Expert in Competition Pistol Badge

    U.S. Army

Goals and interests

Career goal

Chief of Police

Graduate school interests

MBA Criminal Justice

Outside the classroom

Bass Fishing and golf.

Experience

  • Chief of Police

    Timbercreek Canyon Police Department

    May 2021 – Jan 2026

  • Sergeant - SWAT Paramedic

    Randall County Sheriff's Office

    Jun 2013 – May 2021

  • Paramedic

    BSA Hospital EMS

    Aug 2010 – Sep 2019

  • Sergeant

    US Army National Guard

    Mar 2007 – Mar 2016

Volunteering

  • Deputy/Paramedic - Instruct officers in active shooter response. Instruct medical courses to officers and the public such as tactical medicine, stop the bleed, civilian response to active shooter events, and CPR. Volunteer as a School Resource Officer (SRO) for public schools that do not currently have a SRO assigned.

    Randall County Sheriff's Office

    May 2021 – Jan 2026

Languages

  • English (US) Advanced

Additional information