Knox County Chief Deputy John Fuller issued a news release today announcing his intention to run for Knox County Sheriff in the 2026 Republican primary.

Fuller has been with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office since 2003, starting as a reserve deputy before moving to a full-time jail officer role in 2007. He was promoted to road deputy in 2008, Captain in 2016, Major in 2019, and was named Chief Deputy in 2021 by current Sheriff Doug Vantlin.

Vantlin will retire at the end of 2026 due to term limits, opening the seat for a new sheriff.

Fuller holds a master’s degree in criminal justice and human services and has over two decades of experience working in all areas of the Sheriff’s Office, including jail operations, patrol, budgeting, and administration.

Before his law enforcement career, Fuller ran a construction business in Knox County for more than 20 years. He has lived in the county his entire adult life and resides in Vincennes with his wife and three children.