MEET
Les McFarland
MEET
Les McFarland
A Career Dedicated to Service & Community
I've had the honor of serving in law enforcement for over 35 years, with 30 of those years dedicated to Marshall County. Throughout my career, I've worked in every facet of law enforcement, and each experience has reinforced my belief that law enforcement is about people first and foremost. It takes empathy to listen, skill to seek justice, and integrity to lead.
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A Career Dedicated to Service & Community
I've had the honor of serving in law enforcement for over 35 years, with 30 of those years dedicated to Marshall County. Throughout my career, I've worked in every facet of law enforcement, and each experience has reinforced my belief that law enforcement is about people first and foremost. It takes empathy to listen, skill to seek justice, and integrity to lead.
Values
As a conservative Republican, my faith-based values and constitutional principles guide everything I do, both as a law enforcement officer and as a community member. You can count on me to make decisions that protect our community's most vulnerable, defend your rights, and uphold law and order in Marshall County. I believe in serving with integrity, leading by example, and always putting the citizens of Marshall County first.
Law Enforcement Background
My journey in law enforcement began before I ever joined the Marshall County Sheriff's Department. I started as an Emergency Medical Technician and Deputy Jailer, which gave me a deep appreciation for the vital civilian side of public safety. Without our Fire, EMS, Dispatch, and Jailers, we could not do what we do as law enforcement officers. I also served with distinction at the Akron Police Department and Bremen Police Department before bringing my expertise to Marshall County.
When I joined the Marshall County Sheriff's Department 30 years ago, I began as a patrolman. I was later selected to serve on the Drug Task Force, where I worked undercover with state and federal agencies to combat drug trafficking organizations. My time on the Drug Task Force taught me how deeply addiction touches every corner of our community, and that addressing it requires both enforcement and compassion.
My promotion to Detective Sergeant was a pivotal point in my career. As a Detective Sergeant, I investigated high-level felony cases including theft, domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Some of the most meaningful work I've done has been liberating children from violent and abusive homes and bringing justice to families in their darkest hours. These investigations taught me that law enforcement is as much about people as it is about evidence. Both empathy and skill are essential to serving victims and their families.
Following my promotion to Detective First Sergeant, I assumed supervision of the patrol unit while continuing my investigative duties. Since 2023, I have served as Lieutenant Detective, which includes supervision of the Detective Bureau. In this role, I also serve as the Department's Public Information Officer, prioritizing clear communication and transparency across all our operations. This experience has prepared me to lead with accountability and openness as Sheriff.
Education & Certifications
I am a graduate of North Putnam High School and earned my Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Vincennes University. I began my law enforcement career with emergency first-responder certifications, which prepared me for the physical and mental demands of the job. Throughout my career, I've continued to pursue professional development and training to stay current with best practices in law enforcement.
Community Leadership
Beyond my badge, I've served the Marshall County community in numerous ways. I was honored to serve on the Bourbon Town Council for 15 years, gaining invaluable experience in budget management, grant acquisition, and compliance with eligibility requirements. This experience has prepared me for the fiscal responsibilities of serving as Sheriff.
In 2019, I was proud to serve on the regional Stellar Community team as President of the Bourbon Town Council when Marshall County earned its Stellar Community Designation. That experience showed me what's possible when law enforcement, local government, and citizens work together toward shared goals. As your Sheriff, I'll bring that same collaborative approach to keep our county safe and strong.
Community Involvement
I am actively engaged in the community through organizations that matter to me personally. I participate in Marshall County Relay for Life, an organization particularly close to my heart. I also support Dustin's Place, which provides free grief support to those who have lost loved ones, and Operation Quiet Comfort. Through these organizations and my daily interactions with our citizens, I demonstrate my belief that effective law enforcement requires building strong relationships and trust with the community we serve.
.jpg)
A Career Dedicated to Service & Community
I've had the honor of serving in law enforcement for over 35 years, with 30 of those years dedicated to Marshall County. Throughout my career, I've worked in every facet of law enforcement, and each experience has reinforced my belief that law enforcement is about people first and foremost. It takes empathy to listen, skill to seek justice, and integrity to lead.
Values
As a conservative Republican, my faith-based values and constitutional principles guide everything I do, both as a law enforcement officer and as a community member. You can count on me to make decisions that protect our community's most vulnerable, defend your rights, and uphold law and order in Marshall County. I believe in serving with integrity, leading by example, and always putting the citizens of Marshall County first.
Law Enforcement Background
My journey in law enforcement began before I ever joined the Marshall County Sheriff's Department. I started as an Emergency Medical Technician and Deputy Jailer, which gave me a deep appreciation for the vital civilian side of public safety. Without our Fire, EMS, Dispatch, and Jailers, we could not do what we do as law enforcement officers. I also served with distinction at the Akron Police Department and Bremen Police Department before bringing my expertise to Marshall County.
When I joined the Marshall County Sheriff's Department 30 years ago, I began as a patrolman. I was later selected to serve on the Drug Task Force, where I worked undercover with state and federal agencies to combat drug trafficking organizations. My time on the Drug Task Force taught me how deeply addiction touches every corner of our community, and that addressing it requires both enforcement and compassion.
My promotion to Detective Sergeant was a pivotal point in my career. As a Detective Sergeant, I investigated high-level felony cases including theft, domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Some of the most meaningful work I've done has been liberating children from violent and abusive homes and bringing justice to families in their darkest hours. These investigations taught me that law enforcement is as much about people as it is about evidence. Both empathy and skill are essential to serving victims and their families.
Following my promotion to Detective First Sergeant, I assumed supervision of the patrol unit while continuing my investigative duties. Since 2023, I have served as Lieutenant Detective, which includes supervision of the Detective Bureau. In this role, I also serve as the Department's Public Information Officer, prioritizing clear communication and transparency across all our operations. This experience has prepared me to lead with accountability and openness as Sheriff.
Education & Certifications
I am a graduate of North Putnam High School and earned my Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Vincennes University. I began my law enforcement career with emergency first-responder certifications, which prepared me for the physical and mental demands of the job. Throughout my career, I've continued to pursue professional development and training to stay current with best practices in law enforcement.
Community Leadership
Beyond my badge, I've served the Marshall County community in numerous ways. I was honored to serve on the Bourbon Town Council for 15 years, gaining invaluable experience in budget management, grant acquisition, and compliance with eligibility requirements. This experience has prepared me for the fiscal responsibilities of serving as Sheriff.
In 2019, I was proud to serve on the regional Stellar Community team as President of the Bourbon Town Council when Marshall County earned its Stellar Community Designation. That experience showed me what's possible when law enforcement, local government, and citizens work together toward shared goals. As your Sheriff, I'll bring that same collaborative approach to keep our county safe and strong.
Community Involvement
I am actively engaged in the community through organizations that matter to me personally. I participate in Marshall County Relay for Life, an organization particularly close to my heart. I also support Dustin's Place, which provides free grief support to those who have lost loved ones, and Operation Quiet Comfort. Through these organizations and my daily interactions with our citizens, I demonstrate my belief that effective law enforcement requires building strong relationships and trust with the community we serve.
Cancer Survivor
In 2000, I was diagnosed with stage 1 throat cancer. For three months, I underwent chemotherapy and radiation, and during that time, our Marshall County community showed me what true support looks like. I didn't drive myself to a single appointment or prepare a meal. Friends, neighbors, and fellow officers stepped up in ways that humbled me completely. I'd always been the one offering help, but now I was the one who needed it. Our community even held fundraisers to help with my medical expenses.
Cancer has a way of putting life in perspective. It strengthened my faith and deepened my understanding of what really matters: the time we have and how we choose to use it. My dad, Dale, taught me from a young age to serve others, but this journey made that calling even clearer. We're here for a limited time, and we have the opportunity to make our corner of the world a better, kinder, and more beautiful place.
I walked in my first Survivor Lap in 2022, and last year I led a team to raise money for the American Cancer Society. This experience has given me a unique perspective on the importance of community support, compassion, and the resilience of the human spirit. These values guide everything I do as a law enforcement officer and as a community member.
for Marshall County Sheriff