Captain Thomas Marshburn is a driving force behind the modernization and professionalization of the Onslow County Sheriff's Office. A career law enforcement officer who began as a detention officer Capt. Marshburn rose through the ranks with a passion for proactive policing and a deep commitment to public safety. As the agency’s first Drug Recognition Expert and DWI Unit supervisor, he helped reduce impaired driving fatalities in the county, earning statewide recognition. 

But Capt. Marshburn’s impact extends far beyond the road. Tasked with overhauling the agency’s outdated policies, he retyped and restructured 140 documents to align with national accreditation standards—laying the foundation for CALEA certification. His leadership in this effort has brought clarity, accountability, and professionalism to every corner of the agency. 

Capt. Marshburn has also secured over $1.8 million in grant funding, supporting initiatives from DWI enforcement to technology upgrades. He led the implementation of body-worn cameras, transitioned the agency to NIBRS crime reporting, and developed a sustainable equipment replacement plan. His work has improved transparency, efficiency, and officer safety. 

A trusted advisor to the sheriff and a mentor to his peers, Capt. Marshburn applies a patrol officer’s perspective to every leadership decision and considers the impact on officers, the agency, and the community. He remains grounded in the values that brought him to law enforcement: service, integrity, and a relentless drive to improve the profession. 

"I want to keep pushing the profession forward, ensuring it stays strong and professional and never loses sight of what matters.”