Candidate Questionnaire
What is your name: Eddie Vaught
What office are you seeking? Henderson County Jailer
What is your age: 56 yrs.
Please provide family background. (I.E. spouse, children, grandchildren, pets)
· I am a lifelong resident of Henderson County and was raised in Reed, Kentucky. I have been married to my wife, Shelly Vaught, for 20 years. Together we have four children — Tommy, Lacey, Alli, and Logan — and we are proud grandparents to seven grandchildren. Our family also includes our dog, Barry. Family is the foundation of my life, and it is what drives my commitment to serve this community.
What is your educational background? (i.e. high school, GED, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctoral degree, etc.)
· I hold a high school diploma, along with nearly 20 years of hands-on corrections education and real-world experience. Throughout my career, I have continuously trained, instructed, and developed professionally in all aspects of detention operations, leadership, and public safety.
Have you been elected to a political office previously? If so, what office(s) and when did you hold the office(s)?
· I have not previously been elected to public office. However, in 2022 I was appointed as Interim Jailer by the Henderson County Fiscal Court following the departure of the former Jailer.
What is your professional background? (Please include career and any boards and volunteer work.)
· I have served the people of Henderson County for nearly 20 years at the Henderson County Detention Center. I began my career in 2000 as a Deputy and have worked my way through nearly every position in the facility. My experience includes serving as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Guard Commander, Guard Commander, ISB Chief, CSC Commander, and CSP Captain. I have worked all three shifts and understand jail operations from the ground level to executive leadership.
· I have led critical safety and emergency operations as a S.E.R.T. Team member and S.E.R.T. Commander, handling high-risk situations with professionalism, preparation, and a focus on de-escalation and officer safety.
· I have also served as the P.R.E.A. Coordinator, Class D Coordinator, and Safety & Health Officer. In these roles, I ensured compliance with state and federal standards while promoting accountability, transparency, and safe working conditions for staff and inmates.
· I am currently the Training Coordinator and a certified instructor in Firearms, TASER, OC, G.L.O.V.E., PepperBall, and Less-Lethal systems, I have trained officers to perform their duties lawfully, responsibly, and professionally.
· In addition, I have coordinated federal inmate transports, led grant writing efforts, and helped secure funding for equipment, training, and safety improvements — always keeping responsible use of taxpayer dollars in mind. I have also supported programs that make a difference in our facility, including substance abuse programs, GED education, 12-step recovery efforts, the New Genesis ministry, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) initiatives, and the Regional Reentry Intercept Collaborative (RRIC).
Why are you running for office?
· I am running for Henderson County Jailer because I believe leadership should be earned through experience, not politics. After nearly two decades of service, I have the knowledge, leadership, and commitment to move our detention center forward. I want to build on what is already working, strengthen our programs, support our staff, and continue improving safety, accountability, and professionalism within the facility.
If elected to office, what would be your top three goals?
1. Strengthen and expand programs that reduce recidivism, including substance abuse treatment, mental health services, GED education, and faith-based initiatives like New Genesis.
2. Support and invest in our staff by prioritizing mental health, strengthening family support, improving training, and building a culture rooted in professionalism, communication, and respect.
3. Continue improving safety and operations through innovation, responsible budgeting, and maintaining a facility that protects both the public and those who work inside it.
Why should people vote for you?
· People should vote for me because I bring nearly 20 years of real, hands-on experience inside this facility. I have worked every level of this jail and understand what it takes to lead it effectively. My leadership is built on integrity, accountability, and results — not promises. I am committed to serving this community with transparency, supporting my staff, and ensuring our detention center operates safely, professionally, and responsibly.
Please feel free to add an additional comment.
Yes, our jail has problems—every jail does. But not to the extent that some would have you believe. The difference is, my understanding of those problems doesn’t come from the outside looking in—it comes from being there every single day. I’ve seen it, I’ve lived it, and I’ve worked through it alongside the men and women inside those walls.
That firsthand experience matters. It allows me to recognize the difference between real, systemic issues and everyday complaints. It gives me the ability to focus on what truly needs attention—what will make the jail safer, more effective, and more accountable. I know what works, what doesn’t, and where meaningful improvements can be made.
Real change isn’t about starting over—it’s about moving forward with purpose. It’s about evolving the culture of the jail into one that values professionalism, accountability, and growth. That starts with our deputies. The deputies we train and support today will become the leaders of tomorrow.
We have a responsibility to invest in them—to give them the tools, the training, and the leadership they need to succeed. Because the future of this jail depends on people who understand it from the inside out—people who have experienced the challenges firsthand and are prepared to lead through them.
Jails are constantly evolving, and our leadership must evolve with them. My goal is not just to manage today’s challenges, but to prepare for tomorrow’s—by building a strong foundation of capable, experienced leaders who will carry this facility forward.
My mission is to lead a jail that is professional, forward-thinking, and rooted in real experience—one that prioritizes safety, accountability, and growth, while developing today’s deputies into tomorrow’s leaders, ensuring the jail is left stronger, more capable, and ready for the future.
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