Submitted for use on Sept. 27, 2023
Word Count: 726
By State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown), Senate Majority Floor Leader
Throughout this last week, following the devastating passing of my dear friend and colleague, Senator Jack Sandlin, I have taken great comfort in reading the kind sentiments written about Jack. Amidst this remarkable outpour of love and respect for a man well-deserving of our acknowledgment, I encourage us all to reflect on the immeasurable legacy Jack left for Indiana.
Jack lived a life worthy of considerable admiration as a Christian, husband, father, grandfather, veteran, police officer, state senator and proud Hoosier. He spent the early parts of his career serving our country as a military policeman during the Vietnam War before ultimately returning to Indianapolis to serve our great state as a police officer. He did not speak much publicly of his time in Vietnam as part of our country's generation of all-too-often forgotten veterans – let us not forget his brave service to our country.
Following a distinguished career in law enforcement, Jack became a valued member of the Indianapolis City-County Council and was later elected as the state senator for Senate District 36, which covers portions of Marion and Johnson counties. In this role, Jack was responsible for the passage of numerous bills that directly benefited the state of Indiana. He had a passion for legislation pertaining to criminal justice and law enforcement, as well as mental illness and homelessness.
Widely known for his devotion to our men and women in uniform, Jack actively worked to author bills each session that would improve the lives of Hoosiers who put themselves at risk daily in the service of others. Since my election in 2018, I have often had the honor of working alongside him to accomplish these shared goals. Most recently, in the 2023 legislative session, Jack and I worked together on Senate Enrolled Act 384. This piece of legislation requires the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs to award the “purple star designation” to postsecondary institutions that are supportive and inclusive of veterans and military families. SEA 384 also served to provide veterans and military families with enhanced support for pursuing or completing postsecondary education.
The passing of Jack leaves a noticeable void in the Senate, especially in terms of legislation in support of our veterans and law enforcement officials. There is no replacing someone like him, but it will be incumbent upon the Senate Majority Caucus to continue his honorable work in that space – that is how we will best honor Jack’s memory.
To the law enforcement officials and veterans who found a loyal friend and relentless champion
in Jack, and to the residents of Marion and Johnson counties who found him to be a trusted representative and reliable advocate, please hear me when I say this: Jack left incredible shoes to fill, but you will not be forgotten. You are part of his legacy, and the insurmountable list of people who knew and loved him will ensure that legacy lives on.
While his legislative priorities focused mostly on what lies outside the Statehouse, it’s amazing how much time and energy he was able to focus on what lies within the halls of the Senate – the people. Jack was known within our caucus to be a man of great integrity who held firm in his beliefs. No one could ever doubt Jack’s love for helping Hoosiers and his dedication to representing those who elected him to serve.
When asked to describe Senator Sandlin, legislative staffers close to him collaborated to offer the following statement:
“Senator Sandlin was larger-than-life. To some, he was a friend to engage in a casual
conversation with, and to others, he was a wealth of knowledge, always eager to explain
complicated issues and legislation. He was known and loved as a man who would never
turn down a chocolate chip cookie, and he treated the staff who got to know him like
they were family. Senator Sandlin led by example and those of us lucky enough to have
known him personally will never forget him. His legacy will always live in these halls.”
Jack was a friend and mentor to many; his life in the service of others is worthy of respect from us all. The Statehouse will deeply feel his absence in the upcoming 2024 legislative session, and in each session thereafter. It will not be the same without him.
Rest easy, brother.
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NOTE TO THE MEDIA: Letters of condolences and support to Senator Sandlin's family can be sent to P.O. Box 47802, Indianapolis, IN 46247. To view the details of Senator Jack Sandlin’s memorial services, click here.
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) represents Senate District 45,
which includes Clark County and portions of Floyd County.
Click here to download Garten’s new high-resolution headshot.
