A life-long Johnson County native, Doug was born at Johnson Memorial Hospital in August of 1959.  As the sixth child in a family of seven children to proud parents Everett and Leona Cox, life was never dull in the Cox home.   Doug began his educational journey at Northwood Elementary School in Franklin.  On a summer school day in 1964, the siren of a passing Franklin Police car captured the attention of Doug,   and he says, “I’ve been hooked ever since.”  The law enforcement seed was planted, and had begun taking root.

Growing up in Franklin, Indiana

From a very early age, Doug exhibited a unique desire to serve in a protective capacity.  The first indication of this calling was when he became the “Bicycle Safety patrol boy” in the sixth grade.  As the years passed, Doug graduated from Franklin Community High School as a member of the Class of 1977.  The next indication of his future life dedicated to public service came when his classmates determined that Doug would always be remembered for his ability to replicate the sound of a police siren. 

One month after graduating from high school, Doug joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served four years on active duty.  One year was spent in Okinawa, Japan, while three years were spent in Norfolk, Virginia. Exiting the Marine Corps with a rank of Sergeant, Doug returned to Franklin, Indiana where he began his life of law enforcement service.

Law Enforcement Experience

In April of 1981, Doug joined the Franklin Police Department where he spent six years as a patrolman and K-9 handler.  In January of 1987, Doug became a member of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department.  Six months later, Doug was assigned to the Investigative Division where he spent twelve years as a Detective.  In June of 1993, Doug Cox was promoted to the rank of Merit Sergeant, followed by a later promotion to Merit Lieutenant.     Doug was selected to attend the FBI National Academy, where he graduated in the 192nd session of the FBI National Academy.  In 1999, Doug was re-assigned to the Uniform Division where he served as a Shift Sergeant.  A couple years later, Doug was notified by incoming Sheriff Terry McLaughlin that he had been selected to serve as the Chief Deputy for the agency.  Colonel Doug Cox has served as the Chief Deputy under Sheriff Terry McLaughlin since January of 2003. 

The Value of Family

Doug married the former Sherry Ballard in June of 1982.  They began their family with the birth of their son Douglas in 1984, as well as son Brandon in 1988.  Doug enjoyed the privilege of informing his father the great news of his promotion to the position of Chief Deputy.  Sadly, only one month later on December 8, 2002, Everett passed away.  Doug has dedicated this campaign to the memory of his father.

 Dedicated to the memory of beloved father Everett Cox:  1921 - 2002