Mark Lawhorne
Special Sheriff
Special Sheriff Mark Lawhorne brings more than two decades of proven leadership and public service to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department.
Before joining the department, Special Sheriff Lawhorne served as Chief of Staff at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, where he oversaw key administrative and operational functions, advanced public safety initiatives, and strengthened programs focused on staff development and community engagement.
He previously served as Superintendent of Public Works for the City of Somerville, managing multiple divisions including Highway, Sanitation, Fleet, Lights & Lines, and Snow Operations. He also directed the Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds, where his focus on fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and service excellence ensured the effective use of public resources and the delivery of essential city services.
A proud United States Air Force veteran, Special Sheriff Lawhorne served honorably as a Security Specialist. His military experience instilled the discipline, professionalism, and commitment to mission that continue to guide his work in public safety today.
In his current role, Special Sheriff Lawhorne provides executive oversight and strategic leadership across the department’s operations, working to promote safety, integrity, and opportunity throughout Suffolk County’s correctional and community-based programs.