The difference has been made in the past couple of years, that's for sure. Several officers have left the Sheriff's Department and went on to pursue careers elsewhere. We have also lost Correction Officers and secretarial staff. Many left because they were so displeased with the current administration. This is what can happen when we have someone from outside the Sheriff’s Department become the Sh
eriff. I have worked at the Sheriff’s Department for nearly 28 years. I know the men and women of the Sheriff’s Department. I understand their strengths and weaknesses and I believe that I am the most capable of leading and managing them. I have been a shift commander for the past 16 years, managing daytime patrols, night shift patrols and the detective division. I lead by example and I have worked hard to gain the respect of my coworkers. The Sheriff’s Department has been a huge part of my life – it really defines who I am. No other candidate can say they care about the men and women of the Sheriff’s Department and the people of Tippecanoe County like I do.
The difference has been made. Now It's time to Make Things Right !
_____________________________________________
Lt. John "Woody" Ricks
(Lifetime Resident of Tippecanoe County)
John started working at the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department in 1989, when he was only 19 years old. Back then, the Sheriff's Department was at the "old" jail located on North 6th Street in downtown Lafayette. John worked as a Corrections Officer (Jailer) in both the old jail and the new jail that is now located on Duncan Road. John became a Communications Officer (911 Dispatcher) in late 1990. John became a Sheriff's Deputy in 1994. He has worked as a Patrolman, a Patrol Sergeant, a Detective Sergeant and a Patrol Lieutenant. John is also a member of the Water Rescue Team (Diver & Boat Operator), the Crisis Negotiations Team (Team Leader / Negotiator) and is a Field Training Officer. Experience:
Patrol Lieutenant – Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department
(December 2012 – Present)
Patrol Sergeant – Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department
(November 2006 – December 2012)
Detective Sergeant – Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department
(February 2002 – November 2006)
Patrol Sergeant – Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department
(September 2000 – February 2002)
Patrolman – Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department
(June 1994 – September 2000)
Communications Officer (911 Operator) -- Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department
(October 1990 – June 1994)
Corrections Officer – Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department
(August 1989 – October 1990)
Specialty Teams:
Crisis Negotiations Team
Team Leader / Negotiator
(April 2004 - Present)
Water Rescue Team
Rescue Diver / Boat Operator
(June 1995 – Present)
Education
Indiana Law Enforcement Academy – Plainfield, IN
(December 1994)
McCutcheon High School – Lafayette, IN
(May 1988)
*Achievements
Graduated with Honors (Top 10% of Class)
National Honor Society (1987)
Varsity “M” Award (Wrestling Team – 1986)
National Junior Honor Society (1985)
