Deputy Vaughn drowned after being involved in a plane crash. He and another deputy were on air detail flying a Cessna when the pilot was forced to ditch the plane into the Columbia River due to an engine failure. As Deputy Vaughn attempted to swim to shore he drowned.
In addition to maintaining the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial, Behind the Badge Foundation
delivers critical support to surviving family members after a line of duty death - from grief
resources
to financial support.