Rep. McNally Bill to Designate Police Chief Ronnie Ricketts, Sr. Memorial Highway Unanimously Passes Committee

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

“A lifelong resident of the area, Chief Ricketts’ loss was felt throughout the region. He was a consummate public servant who believed in community and the betterment of all,” said Rep. McNally. “I am very happy to share with those who have advocated for this road naming, most especially the Village of New Middletown and his surviving brother Larry, that we are one step closer to making it official.”

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 SR 170 near mile marker 5.

The bill now awaits a vote on the floor of the Ohio House.