New Public Safety Head in N.C. Brings Broad Experience

Aug. 08--SWANSBORO -- The new public safety administrator and police chief of Swansboro has experience ranging from small town police work to service with the FBI.

He's served as a firefighter in the Coast Guard, patrolled streets with the Wareham Police Department in Massachusetts and contributed to federal policy combating the terrorist use of explosive devices in the United States.

Whether it's at the local, state or federal level, Robert "Bob" Ritchie Jr. believes public safety is a partnership.

"Public safety cannot be done in a vacuum. You cannot isolate yourself," Ritchie said. "You've got to work with your partners; you have to build your networks and resources."

Ritchie was introduced Wednesday as the new public safety administrator and police chief.

He takes on the job as the town integrates the public safety concept into its police and fire departments.

Ritchie said there are many areas where police officers and firemen can cooperate and coordinate and the goal is to combine efforts and resources where possible to provide the best service possible to citizens in the most efficient way.

"We're taking police and cross-training them and firemen and cross-training them, not completely so that they can become sworn officers, but so that they can assist each other," Ritchie said. "What we're saying is that without partnerships we will not be able to deliver the public service product the citizens expect."

By combining resources, reducing administrative and command staff, cost-savings can also be achieved.

"One thing we face in the public safety world is that tax base is maxed out and we want to provide the same level of service, increase the level of service, and not increase costs," he said.

Ritchie was one of about 70 applicants from across the country. The pool of applicants was narrowed to 12 and then to six finalists who were interviewed by a citizens' advisory panel.

Ritchie was hired at a salary of $60,000 and will begin work Sept. 3.

Contact Daily News reporter Jannette Pippin at 910-382-2557 or jannette.pippin@jdnews.com. Visit JDNews.com to comment.

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