INDIANAPOLIS — State Senator Jack Sandlin has died, the Marion County Republican Party confirmed Wednesday.
Sandlin was elected to the State Senate in 2016, representing District 36 on the south side of Indianapolis, along with part of Johnson County.
"We are incredibly sorry to hear of the passing of Senator Jack Sandlin. Jack lived a life in service to his community from his time on the police force, through his tenure as a city-county councilor, and finally as a state senator representing the Southside. His voice and impact on our city will certainly be missed. Our prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this time," Marion County Republican Party Chairman Joe Elsener said in a statement.
A graduate of Greenwood High School, Sandlin served in the U.S. Army and spent 20 years as a member of the Indianapolis Police Department from 1973 to 1993. He then served the Southport Police Department from 1995 to 2009, at which time he also spent seven years as a Perry Township Trustee.
Sandlin was a member of the Indianapolis City-County Council from 2010 to 2016 when he was elected to the Senate.
He was honored with the DIstinguished Hoosier Award in 1993.
Sandlin is survived by his wife, Lydia, a daughter and three grandchildren.
Reactions to Sandlin's passing
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb:
"Indiana lost a true public servant today. Senator Jack Sandlin was a gentleman who devoted his life to serving others, in public safety on the front lines and in our State Senate.
His clear voice and integrity will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all those who became close to him over the years."
Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville:
"Jack Sandlin was a strong advocate for the people of Central Indiana and a champion of Indianapolis. He was a valued member of our caucus, and we will feel his loss deeply. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, friends and all those who will be affected by this sudden loss, especially his wife Lydia."
Indianapolis Republican mayoral candidate Jefferson Shreve:
“I am deeply saddened to learn the news of Sen. Sandlin’s passing. Sen. Sandlin lived a life of public service which was seen through his time on the police force, the city-county council and in the Indiana Senate. I had the pleasure of serving with Jack on the council and running alongside him for the senate seat. He was a kind man, a great competitor and he served our state well. Mary and I send our condolences to Lydia and Sen. Sandlin's family. Our hearts are with them."
Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush:
“Senator Jack Sandlin served as a valuable partner to the justice system. He used his wealth of experience to connect legislative, executive, and judicial stakeholders in an immensely important endeavor—developing solutions to mental health and justice needs. He devoted significant time to join our judicial branch leaders at training and outreach events dedicated to behavioral health and justice. His passing is a tremendous loss to our state, but we are grateful for the years we had to partner with Senator Sandlin. Our condolences to his legislative staff and his family.”
Aaron Freeman, Indiana State Senate, District 32:
"I have no words. Jack was a father figure to me, great friend, and trusted colleague. My prayers are with his beloved Lydia and his daughter, Carrie."