Thomas Tuggle has 30 years’ experience in law enforcement. He joined the United States Marine Corps after high school and graduated basic training with honors. Thomas deployed to the Middle East in 1991 where he earned the Combat Action Ribbon, a second Navy Achievement Medal, and fourth promotion.

Thomas returned to Hernando and joined the police department. He later graduated from Trooper School as top shooter. Thomas graduated as President or with Distinct Honors from every military or law enforcement training course he attended. Thomas earned multiple promotions, graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy, and served as Executive Officer of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety during Governor Haley Barbour’s administration. He participated in developing an annual budget of $65-$70 million at DPS. Thomas also assisted in securing $25 million in federal funds to train Mississippi officers in responding to Active Shooter situations.

As Lt. Colonel, he served as Director of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers’ Training Academy where he trained over 10,000 city and county officers. Thomas was responsible for a $1.5 million annual budget at MLEOTA.

Thomas retired from MHP last year and started his law enforcement consulting business. He teaches executive leadership, law enforcement ethics, and professional development across the country. Thomas is a Life Member of the NRA where he serves on the outreach committee and works to grow the NRA’s membership. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Linda, and they are the parents of Courtney.