meet your 2026 candidate for wayne county sheriff
Integrity -
Accountability -
Professionalism -
Integrity - Accountability - Professionalism -
I have dedicated over 30 years of my life to serving the public as a full-time law enforcement officer at both the local and state levels of government.
Beginning my career as a police officer and later as a trooper, I developed valuable instincts for detecting and combating criminal activity.
During my tenure with the NC State Highway Patrol, my strong work ethic and dedication to duty earned me several promotions. As I progressed through the ranks, I successfully completed numerous leadership programs and graduated from NC State University's Administrative Officer’s Management Program.
As I took on supervisory roles, I strategized on how to best deter criminal activity by examining data of crime trends. Because of law enforcement shortages in a growing population, I learned that law enforcement was more successful in completing their mission when their actions were strategic verses random.
Throughout my career, I’ve gained extensive experience in recruiting, hiring and training. I recognize the significance of preserving agency appeal to attract qualified candidates and retain existing employees. I firmly believe that training is essential for law enforcement and recognize the importance of acquiring suitable and effective training to expand one’s knowledge to enhance job performance.
I’ve always been known for my firm but fair leadership style and held high expectations for myself and those under my command. By setting clear expectations and promoting consistency and accountability, I worked to provide the highest level of law enforcement services to the people of North Carolina.
My proven leadership experience and deep understanding of law enforcement have equipped me with the skills necessary to effectively lead the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. I remain committed to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards to ensure the public receives exceptional law enforcement service. I would appreciate your support!
take a look at Ricky’s career history
1993-1997 Police Officer
Mount Olive Police Department
Ricky graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Training program at Wayne Community College in December 1993. After graduating, Ricky was sworn in as a police officer with the Town of Mount Olive, beginning his career in law enforcement.
Ricky was responsible for enforcing the laws of NC and the town ordinances of Mount Olive. Ricky enforced both criminal and traffic laws, responded to disturbances, took incident reports and investigated collisions. Ricky was responsible for completing case files, submitting reports and testifying in court. One of Ricky’s primary responsibilities was to patrol the communities within the city limits and conduct business checks during night shifts.
Ricky worked during hurricane Fran in September 1996 and received a departmental certificate of appreciation for volunteering to work during the storm.
Ricky gained valuable experience as a city cop, as he learned to deal with people at their best and worst times.
Ricky remained employed with the Town of Mount Olive until he was hired by the NC State Highway Patrol on 1 February 1997.
1997-2006 Trooper
1997-2004 Duplin County
2004-2006 Wayne County
After Graduating from the 97th Basic Patrol School on 8 August 1997, Ricky was assigned to Kenansville in Duplin County. As a trooper, Ricky was responsible for patrolling the roadways within the district, enforcing NC law, investigating collisions, working traffic control assignments, assisting stranded motorist and responding to natural or manmade disasters. Ricky’s duties also included filing reports, testifying in court and submitting evidence.
Ricky was dedicated to the mission of reducing collisions in Duplin County, aggressively enforcing clear-cut substantial violations of NC law with a focus on speeders, impaired drivers and restraint violations. In 2001, Ricky received the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Award for Duplin County with 140 DWI arrest.
Ricky was exposed to a variety situation while in Duplin County, which allowed him to develop as a professional law enforcement officer. Ricky investigated several fatal collisions while in Duplin County, including one involving an impaired driver that led to a 2nd Degree Murder conviction. Ricky worked several special assignments, such as providing traffic control at NASCAR races, and responding to coastal communities during Hurricane Bonnie in 1998 and Hurricane Floyd in 1999.
In 2002, Ricky was selected to serve as a staff assistant for the 106th and 107th Basic Patrol Schools. Ricky earned a NC Criminal Justice General Instructor certification, which allowed him to teach in-service and basic law enforcement training courses for the patrol. Ricky later earned specialized certifications in Defensive Tactics and Physical Fitness. Additionally, Ricky was certified as a Field Training Officer for the patrol, and maintained a radar, VASCAR and intoxilyzer certification.
In 2004, Ricky transferred back home to Wayne County, where he continued to support the mission of reducing collisions in Wayne County through enforcement and education. Ricky was awarded the Top DWI Enforcer in Wayne County in 2004. Ricky continued to serve as a trooper in Wayne County until his promotion to sergeant in January of 2006.
2006-2009 Line Sergeant
2006 Halifax / northhampton counties
2006-2008 Johnston County
2008-2009 Wayne County
In January 2006, Ricky was promoted to sergeant and assigned to Roanoke Rapids in Halifax County. This district is multi-county district which also included North Hampton County. In May 2006, Ricky transferred to Smithfield in Johnston County and transferred back home to Wayne County in mid 2008.
As a district line sergeant, Ricky was responsible for the day-to-day activities of the district, including the supervision of the troopers assigned to the county. Ricky worked with troopers on a daily basis, providing guidance and direction as needed, and assisted troopers with calls for service.
A district line sergeant’s duties include, conducting performance appraisals, checking and entering weekly reports. Serve as the evidence custodian and conduct monthly audits to ensure all evidence is accounted for and properly adjudicated once no longer needed. Investigate internal and external complaints and submit findings to the first sergeant. Adjust work schedules and assign tasks to troopers as needed. Respond to critical incidents, enforced laws, investigated collisions, provided traffic direction/control, and assisted stranded motorists in accordance with the duties and responsibilities of all sworn Highway Patrol members.
The district line sergeant acts on behalf of the district first sergeant in their absence.
Ricky successfully completed performance appraisal training and First Line Supervision school and NC State University’s Administrative Officer’s Management Program for law enforcement supervisors.
Ricky served as a sergeant in Wayne County until his promotion to first sergeant in September 2009.
2009-2018 First Sergeant
2009-2011 Chowan, perquimans, pasquotank and Camden Counties
2011-2013 Sampson County
2013-2014 Johnston County
2014-2018 SHP Training academy
In September 2009, Ricky was promoted to first sergeant and was assigned to Elizabeth City in Pasquotank County. This district is a multi-county district which also included Camden, Perquimans and Chowan counties.
In February 2011, Ricky transferred to Sampson County and to Johnston County in 2013. Ricky later transferred to the NC State Highway Patrol Training Academy in Raleigh.
While serving as the district first sergeant, Ricky was the ranking member of the district, responsible for all operations of the district. One of the primary responsibilities as the first sergeant was to ensure 24/7 coverage for the district. Ricky evaluated job performance of sergeant and troopers, established district goals and expectations to ensure the mission of the patrol was accomplished.
Other responsibilities included maintaining all state property, investigating internal and external complaints, and administer disciplinary actions as needed. Ricky responded to critical incidents, enforced laws, investigated collisions, provided traffic direction/control, and assisted stranded motorists in accordance with the duties and responsibilities of all sworn Highway Patrol members.
2014-2016 Trooper Selection, NCSHP Training academy
Managed all stages of the application process, offering guidance and assistance to recruiters and the chief polygrapher. Attended staff and budget meetings and maintained a portion of the trooper selection budget. Reviewed applicant documents and interpreted patrol policy, law and administrative code to determine eligibility for employment. Evaluated applicant appeals of denial and made recommendations to the assistant director of training. Conducted background investigation refresher training for patrol employees.
2016-2018 Field Training State Coordinator, NCSHP Training Academy
Provided direction and support to training officers throughout the state. Developed the curriculum for the SHP Field Training Officers course and delivered instructions. Reviewed daily observation reports for accuracy and consistency. Determined alternate methods of training for recruits not responding to current training. Maintained all field training records. Coordinate and serve on the field training applicant review boards.
Ricky maintained his position as the Field Training State Coordinator until he was promoted to lieutenant in February 2018.
accomplishments
Revised the Probationary Trooper Task Manual to eliminate redundancy and dated training practices. This revision made the field training process more efficient and shortened the training period by 2 weeks.
Revised the field training policy and Daily Observation Reports to reflect process changes. Eliminated hard copy and mailing of field training documents by implementing an electronic submission process, enabling real-time monitoring of a probationary trooper’s progress, allowing the state coordinator to develop alternative training practices as needed. Worked with patrol network specialists to initiate a web-based reporting system for field training.
2018-2019 Lieutenant
2018 inservice / training coordinator, training academy
2019 troop c headquarters, Raleigh
In February 2018, Ricky was promoted to his first commissioned rank of lieutenant. Ricky remained at the Training Academy where he served as the patrol’s In-service / Training coordinator. This position was considered to be the most demanding lieutenant’s position at the Training Academy due to numerous responsibilities that spanned the entire state.
Ricky’s primary responsibility was to disseminate and organize mandatory training to all sworn members. Ricky reviewed all training records for all sworn members to ensure the patrol was in compliance with the guidelines established by Training and Standards. Ricky completed training audits to ensure sworn member maintained current certifications, as well as maintaining the training files for all sworn members of the patrol.
Ricky was responsible for the Field Training State Coordinator and the Director of Food Services.
Other responsibilities included, managing a lodging budget of $250,000, review and approve invoices for payment, maintained a running expense account to ensure fund availability, oversaw allocated monies within other sections under his command, reviewed and approved expenditures, attended staff and budget meetings, and presented budget forecasting for future budget needs.
Ricky later transferred to Troop C Headquarters in Raleigh, where he served as a troop lieutenant, assisting the troop commander in coordinating daily troop activities, and assumed the responsibilities as the designated representative of the troop commander during their absence.
Ricky provided support through direct supervision to four of the nine districts within Troop C. Ricky directed and provided support for troop secretaries, the communications center supervisor, the garage mechanic supervisor and the radio engineer.
Other responsibilities included monitoring activities of the districts to verify their designated responsibilities were being completed. Reviewed district operation reports and planned effective strategies to meet the mission of the patrol. Inspected the administrative operation of assigned districts and documented deficiencies. Interpreted SHP policy and provided guidance and direction to district and civilian supervisors. Reviewed district reports for accuracy and completeness, investigated internal and external complaints and reported findings with recommendations to the troop commander. Evaluated disciplinary actions and counseling sessions imposed on personnel to ensure legitimacy and consistency. Scheduled training and special assignments for personnel. Monitored field training, evaluated daily observation reports and remediation.
Ricky served as the Troop C chair for the 11-month review board for probationary troopers and made recommendations for continued solo patrol or if additional field training was needed.
Ricky continued to serve as the Troop C lieutenant until his promotion to captain in November 2019.
2019-2021 captain
2019 troop B Commander, Fayetteville
2020 troop c Commander, Raleigh
Ricky was promoted to Captain in November 2019 and assigned to Troop B Headquarters in Fayetteville. As the Troop Commander, Ricky was responsible for the 13 Southeastern North Carolina counties that make up Troop B. Ricky later transferred to Troop C Headquarters in Raleigh and served as the Troop Commander for the 14 central counties of North Carolina that make up Troop C. Ricky was responsible for approximately 270 employees, both sworn and civilian.
The Troop Commander is a commissioned officer’s position with the primary responsibilities of ensuring that all districts within the troop are provided with the needed resources to accomplish the goals and mission of the Highway Patrol. As the senior commanding officer of the troop, the Troop Commander provides clear direction, consistency and oversight to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the troop.
The Troop Commander is responsible for the deployment of sworn and civilian members during critical incidents, civil disturbances, and other special events requiring preparedness activities for mass deployment of personnel.
The Troop Commander evaluates the overall performance of the districts and takes necessary corrective measures when a pattern of substandard work or questionable behavior is identified. Evaluates investigative and enforcement actions of sworn members to ensure strict compliance with patrol policy and state law. The Troop Commander conducts meetings with civilian, and district supervisors as needed to discuss troop / district needs. Reviews quarterly enforcement and collision data. Enforces rules of conduct and determines the appropriate corrective action imposed for violations. Reviews personnel complaints and assigns internal investigations as needed. Reviews and approves completed internal investigations and makes disciplinary recommendations to the Director of Internal Affairs.
Special Assignment: 2019-2021, Chair of Post Chase Board
Reviewed all patrol chase videos and reports to determine violations of training, policy, and/or law. Conducted monthly board meetings to discuss concerns and approve, amend, or deny proposed disciplinary or corrective actions to be imposed on sworn members. Ensure consistency in the evaluation process by the board based on patrol policy and state law. The chair was responsible for filing personnel complaints on sworn members found to have committed gross or serious job performance violations during pursuits. Prepared quarterly reports and present the information to the senior command staff during troop commander meetings.
Ricky honorably retired from the NC State Highway Patrol on 1 September 2021.
awards
Order of the Long Leaf Pine
Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate
2021-2025 Wayne County Deputy
2021-2023 School Resourse Officer
2023-2025 Detective
After retiring from the NC State Highway Patrol, Ricky was sworn in as a full time Deputy with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office in November 2021. Ricky’s request to serve as the School Resource Officer for Rosewood High School was granted.
Ricky found this position very rewarding and although his primary duty was to ensure the protection of students and staff and enforce North Carolina laws, Ricky quicky learned the role of a school resource officer extended far beyond these duties. Ricky found himself acting more as mentor and role model for students, establishing relationships that significantly influenced the lives of the students. Ricky did not realize the impact he had on some of the students at Rosewood High School until one day he was teaching a Basic Law Enforcement Training class at Wayne Community College where a former Rosewood student was enrolled. Ricky started the class off by asking each student why they wanted to be in law enforcement. To Ricky’s surprise, the former Rosewood student indicated that he wanted to be a police officer because of Ricky. He explained that he admired the way Ricky interacted with the student and although Ricky was in a position of authority, he was approachable and consistently demonstrated that he truly cared about the students and their families.
The opportunity to serve as a school resource officer had a lasting impact on Ricky’s life. Not only did he develop lasting relationships with the school staff, but also with the students and their families.
In July 2023, Ricky was promoted to detective with the Sheriff’s Office. Ricky wasted no time in rolling up his sleeves and getting to work. Ricky made multiple felony and misdemeanor arrests while serving as a detective. This position was inundated with paperwork, as most casefiles were several hundreds of pages. Ricky’s passion to serve was evident, as he was able to solve many crimes and provide a sense of justice to the victims of these crimes. Ricky worked diligently to ensure his cases were solid by ensuring he followed the proper procedures of law, submitted complete casefiles in a timely manner and attending court to testify. Ricky had a teamwork concept and was always willing to assist wherever he was needed. Ricky maintained an open line of communication, ensuring he was available for victims, witnesses, the District Attorney’s Office and defense attorneys.
Ricky’s time at the Sheriff’s Office was rewarding because he was able to serve the public by removing criminals from our communities and developing friendships that will last a lifetime.
Ricky served as a detective until his resignation on April 25, 2025.