Proposed route naming honors late police chief’s service

NEW MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – A portion of a state route in Mahoning County could soon be named to honor the service of a former police chief.

State Rep. Lauren McNally, D-Youngstown, announced Tuesday the unanimous passage of House Bill 456 by the Ohio House Transportation Committee that would rename a portion of State Route 170 that goes through New Middletown to Police Chief Ronnie Ricketts, Sr. Memorial Highway.

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

“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,” McNally said.

Ricketts was a 25-year veteran of the police force in New Middletown. He died in April 1997 in a crash while on duty delivering court papers. He was 55 years old and had been serving as the interim police chief for five months.

McNally said the road naming proposal was spearheaded by Ricketts’ brother and has the support of the mayor and village council.

If the proposal is approved, ODOT will install markers reflecting the new designation on State Route 170 near mile marker five.

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