Eleven months into the first year of his sixth four-year terms as elected city marshal, Robert Rickerd has tendered his resignation — effective the end of April.

“To the Citizens of Owensville, It is with regret that we formally acknowledge receipt of Chief Robert Rickerd’s resignation notice on March 13th 2023,” Mayor John Kamler said in a prepared statement.

City Administrator Randy Blaske said Rickerd met him at City Hall as he arrived. He said Rickerd and the mayor spoke. The city released the resignation letter and the mayor’s statement Monday afternoon.

“I wanted to let you all know, due to personal matters, I feel it’s best to retire my position as City Marshal,” Rickerd wrote in his resignation letter dated Monday, March 13, and addressed to Owensville Mayor/Council.  His last day of work will be Saturday, April 29 — the final day a pay period.

“I want to thank current/past council members, Mayors, and the Owensville community for the support you have all given me over the past 28 years with the city. Even though I have 3 years remaining on my elected 4 year term, this was a decision that was not easy to make, but I felt had to be made.”

Rickerd hinted at his likely replacement in the immediate future, concluding his letter, “If the city promoted Lt. (Scott) Griffith to the Acting Chief Position, and if he wishes — I would be willing to stay on as a (part-time/Reserve officer) to assist covering a shift, once in a while when needed.”

“It has been a pleasure working with Robert and on behalf of the City team and the citizens of Owensville we would like to wish Robert the very best on his future endeavors,” the mayor continued “The City would like to thank Robert for his 28 plus years of service he has provided the City of Owensville. We are pleased to know he would like to continue in a part time as need capacity and continue to serve our existing police officers and the community.”

Rickerd received a voter-approved sixth four-year term as elected city marshal in April 2022. His resignation could likely result in a special election to determine who will fill out the remainder of the unexpired term for three-years.

Blaske checked with the city’s attorney and was told city officials will need to have a special meeting to appoint a successor as city marshal. The city can wait until the April 2024 Municipal Election for voters to chose the person to fill out the remaining two years of Rickerd’s unexpired term.

“We again, would like to wish Robert the very best in all his future endeavors and a big Thank You for all his dedicated service to this City,” Kamler’s statement concluded.

Rickerd cited his support for the county’s sale tax to support county and municipal law enforcement agencies as a recent highlight in his career. He has also pushed for improving police salaries including an increase on police wages in the recent pay period.

“I did what I could,” said Rickerd. “This was not easy for me to make that decision with three years left in my term after being elected six times.”

Rickerd has promoted the long-running local “Shop with a Cop” program and he and his patrol staff have raised funds for school supplies, offering themselves up in a dunking tank.