Rep. McNally Introduces Bill to Name New Middletown Portion of SR 170 "Police Chief Ronnie Ricketts Sr. Memorial Highway"

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today introduced House Bill 456, legislation designating the only mile portion of State Route 170 within the village limits of New Middletown in Ohio’s 59th district as the “Police Chief Ronnie Ricketts Sr. Memorial Highway”.

“Chief Ricketts was an invaluable member of a small community, whose passing was felt heavily by his family and neighbors,” said Rep. McNally. “I am humbled that they’ve shared his story of service with me and trusted me to do the work to make this naming a reality. It is an honor.” 

A Navy and 25-year police force veteran with the New Middletown Police Department, Chief Ricketts died on Wednesday, April 2, 1997, in a vehicular accident while on duty delivering court papers. He was 55-years old and had been serving as the interim police chief for five months. The road naming was brought to the office of Rep. McNally by his surviving brother, Larry and has a resolution of support from the mayor and council members of the Village of New Middletown. Upon passage of HB 456, the Ohio Department of Transportation will provide markers, which will be subsequently maintained by New Middletown, noting the designation on State Route 170 near mile marker 5.

“It is The Village of New Middletown’s privilege to be a part of honoring Police Chief Ronnie Ricketts Sr. with the ‘Police Chief Ronnie Ricketts Sr. Memorial Highway’ on State Route 170 in the Village,” said New Middletown Mayor Michelle Butler Myers. “We are honored to help his brother Larry Ricketts and his family make this dedication a reality.”

The bill now awaits assignment to a committee and first hearing for further consideration.