Froman to lead Ferdinand Police Department

The Town of Ferdinand has a new police chief.

Lloyd Froman was named the new police chief, effective immediately, replacing Ricky Patton, who tendered his resignation to the council, also effective immediately. He was announced during a press conference and special town council meeting Wednesday evening.

Patton had planned on staying on to help the transition but was unable to do so due to family issues.

Froman is no stranger to the department; he was the police chief from November 1987 to April 2004 when chief Ted Bieker assumed the role.

Town Council President Ken Sicard said that the committee that performed the interviews with the candidates included council members Deb Johnson and Ron Weyer, plus Clerk-Treasurer Bev Schultise and Town Manager Chris James.

Each member interviewed the four internal and one external candidate. Councilwoman Johnson said she was very impressed by each applicant and especially urged those who applied from inside the department to bring their ideas to the new chief for consideration and implementation to continue to improve the department.

In announcing the decision, Sicard stated they felt they had the right man for the right position. “I feel he has extensive experience as a police officer, has held the office of police chief in the past, has very thorough training background and is respected by his fellow officers,” Sicard said.

He added that he also felt Froman would continue the path set by former police chief Patton. He asked Froman, who was in attendance, if he would accept the council’s offer of the position and Froman accepted.

Froman was unable to be interviewed at the meeting; he and several officers attending were dispatched to a call before the meeting was adjourned.