RHPD Issue Statement regarding Retired Lieutenant Larry “LV” Vaughan

The Rock Hill Police Department is mourning the tragic loss of Retired Lieutenant Larry “LV” Vaughan. Lieutenant Vaughan began his career with the Rock Hill Police Department in June of 1990 and faithfully and tirelessly served our community for over 30 years before retiring in September of 2020. During his career, there was not much that he did not do. He was a Patrol Officer, Patrol Supervisor, Special Projects Officer, Criminal Investigations Supervisor, K-9 Officer, SWAT Sniper, SWAT Team Leader, SWAT Commander, Driving Instructor, Firearms Instructor, and a Patrol Rifle Instructor. Along the way he earned numerous awards and contributed to several competition-winning SWAT Teams.

More importantly, Lieutenant Vaughan was a leader, a mentor, and a friend. Most Officers met Lieutenant Vaughan within the first couple days of joining the Department, and it never took long to realize he was called “To Serve and Protect.” Lieutenant Vaughan embraced all the challenges that arose daily and, utilizing his unorthodox thinking, found a way to resolve them. His style of policing would directly influence and educate officers around him, unknowingly preparing them for the next time a similar situation would arise.

Lieutenant Vaughan was a constant when it came to working overtime. He would often take extra assignments for the opportunity to meet new people and see familiar faces. He rarely missed the opportunity to work City Council Meetings or Come See Me Events. Lieutenant Vaughan was well-known for being the Supervisor-in-Charge for the annual Christmasville Christmas Parade. He never missed the chance to ensure the safety for the participants and spectators by leading the team of officers throughout the event.

Upon his retirement, Lieutenant Vaughan would often stop by the Law Center during one of his daily walks. He never failed to put smiles on everyone’s faces.

Chief Watts and the entire Rock Hill Police Department sends condolences and prayers to Tashia, Tyler, Parker, and his family. Thank you all for allowing LV to be a part of our family. Thank you for the dedicated public servant who never wavered in giving all he had to our community.

Lieutenant Vaughan leaves behind a heralded career that is truly one for the ages. While LV is no longer with us, his smile, laughter, leadership, guidance, and friendship will never be forgotten. His legacy at the Rock Hill Police Department will always be remembered.

“The retirement of LV left us with a challenge having to replace someone with so much knowledge, experience, and dedication. The loss of LV has left us with a void than can never be replaced.”

Chief Watts