Meet Ferdinand’s new Police Chief
Ricky Patton, 43, was sworn in as Ferdinand’s new Police Chief on Wednesday, June 26.
Soft-spoken and personable, the former Virginia State Police training officer grew up in Fancy Gap, Virginia — population 237, as of the 2010 Census— in the southern Appalachian Mountains. He worked in cabbage fields in his youth, but his dream was to become a Virginia State Trooper.
“They weren’t just highway patrol in Virginia,” Patton says. “They were a police force. I looked up to them.”
When he graduated from high school, he talked to a First Sergeant with the Virginia State Police, asking his advice on how best to be accepted as a Virginia Trooper.
The officer suggested pursuing a degree in criminal justice or joining the military.
He did a six-year hitch in the U.S. Navy.
After he was honorably discharged, he started a small trucking company. Although it was successful, his dream of becoming a police officer never dimmed.
“I wanted to count for something,” Patton says. “I wanted to help my community and have a hand in keeping things safe.”
Patton ran the trucking company until “I got to be where I needed to be in life. You know, no one goes into law enforcement for the money.” At last, he realized his dream and became a Virginia State Trooper.
For six of his ten years as a trooper, he served as Field Training Officer. And, in 2007, Patton was one of the first responders to the Virginia Tech shootings.
“It’s not something you want to reminisce about,” he sighs. “But if it’s a question of experience, I’ve seen enough. I hope my experiences can help the other officers — and the people — keep this community as safe as it is.”
Patton loved his work as a Virginia State Trooper. “It was always my dream, before I made it happen. I thought I would be doing it for a long time, until my wife brought me here.”
Patton’s wife, Amy, had worked her way up through the ranks at MasterBrand Cabinets. When the Martinsville, Virginia plant closed, she was one of a handful of employees to be offered a transfer. The family chose southern Indiana.
“We were both from small towns,” Patton explains. “It seemed a good fit for us.”
The Pattons are currently living in Ireland, but are diligently seeking a home close to Ferdinand.
“It’s pretty much every night after supper,” he grins.
The Pattons are eager to become a part of the Ferdinand community. “Both of us worked our way up through the ranks,” he says. “We’re hard working and I hope people will see we’re not all that different. We’re the same kind of people.
“The backbone of a community is its people,” Patton continues. “The police department is made up of the community, for the community.”
He has met with all members of the Ferdinand Police Department and, although the circumstances are admittedly not ideal, he doesn’t see any unachievable goals.
Patton plans to visit at least three businesses per day until he has introduced himself to all business owners. He also plans to get out into the community and “meet people face to face.”
He does not plan any immediate, drastic changes.
“You have to know what you’ve got before you know where you’re going,” he smiles.
“I realize respect has to be earned,” Patton concludes. “I hope I can. I’m anxious to get started and I’m glad to be here.
The Town of Ferdinand is planning a “Meet the Chief” reception in the near future. Details will be announced soon.
