Rich has spent his career protecting life and property, enforcing laws and responding to calls for service. Over the years, he honed his skills in de-escalation, conflict management and community engagement, embodying the principles of professionalism and ethical conduct.

As Assistant Chief of Police/Major of the Pontoon Beach Police Department, and in other leadership roles such as Patrol Sergeant and Operations Division Commander, Rich’s responsibilities included strategic planning, policy implementation and budget management. He led initiatives to enhance community safety, foster positive police-citizen relations, and address emerging law enforcement challenges. Additionally, he represented the department in local and national forums, leveraging his expertise to advocate for effective policing practices.

In his leadership roles, Rich supervised patrol divisions and ensured adherence to high ethical standards. As an Operations Division Commander, he oversaw sworn officers and dispatchers, maintaining operational efficiency and adherence to departmental policies.

Rich’s tenure as a Detective provided invaluable experience in criminal and special investigations, including domestic violence, burglaries, thefts and homicides. He collaborated closely with prosecutors, prepared case documentation and presented evidence in court, contributing to the successful prosecution of offenders.

Rich also served as an Investigator with the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis for seven years, where he handled complex and high-profile investigations. Furthermore, he spent eight years as the Police Benevolent and Protective Association union President, advocating for the rights and welfare of his fellow officers.

Throughout his career, Rich has remained committed to continuous learning and development, completing specialized training programs in areas such as juvenile justice, crime scene processing, and critical incident response. His dedication to excellence and steadfast commitment to public service have been the cornerstone of his journey in law enforcement.