Perry’s top law enforcement official recently completed a long journey he had set for himself. On May 12th, Police Chief Eric Vaughn officially graduated with a four-year degree from the University of Iowa.

Vaughn said he received a two-year degree after he finished high school, and shortly thereafter began his career in law enforcement. However, getting his four-year degree was something he hoped to achieve, though it took a little longer than four years. “I’ve been working on that, going to school taking a class or two each semester for about the past six years. I had my two-year degree, I’ve always wanted to get my four-year degree. And with a lot of help and support from my family, I was able to get that accomplished. I think it’ll help me in my professional career, but it’s also kind of one of those things I wanted to do for myself. And I think the classes helped broaden my perspective quite a bit.”

Vaughn’s degree is a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Criminal Justice.