Richy Thatcher Announces His Intent To Run For Sheriff Of Lawrence County

In a press release today, David “Richy” Thatcher announced that he is running for the office of Sheriff for Lawrence County. Thatcher is a lifelong resident of Lawrence County, born in Alicia and moved to Walnut Ridge after graduating Walnut Ridge High School.

Thatcher began his law enforcement career 15 years ago as a Reserve Officer and Patrolman for the Walnut Ridge Police Department, part-time Patrolman for Black Rock and Hoxie and a Patrolman and Patrol Sergeant  for the Cherokee Village Police Department.

In 2011 Thatcher began serving as Chief of Police for the Walnut Ridge Police Department, overseeing 8 fulltime officers including a K-9 Unit, working hand and hand with Walnut Ridge School Administration establishing school resource officers for Walnut Ridge Schools, managing 6 figure budgets and overseeing and managing the construction of the Walnut Ridge Police Complex.

Thatcher stated that aside from his experiences in law enforcement he has served in emergency service with AET Ambulance, spent two years working for the Lawrence County Communications Center as a 911 dispatcher and time as a part-time firefighter with the Walnut Ridge Fire Department. Thatcher also states he took great pride in volunteering for several years with the Make-A-Wish Foundation helping make money to grant wishes for well deserving kids.

Thatcher also stated “As a proud citizen of Lawrence County, Sherri and I have taken great pride raising daughters Makayla and Candice in Lawrence County, our daughters both graduated from Walnut Ridge High School and we as a family have great memories residing in this tight knit community.”

Thatcher concluded by stating he is looking forward to the opportunity of serving Lawrence County as the Sheriff if elected. Thatcher stated he believes he has the experience and knowledge to increase transparency, create an open door policy for the people of this great community and increase the coverage and visibility of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department. Thatcher added “with your support together we can make a greater Lawrence County.”