Mount Pleasant Magazine March/April 2020

49 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestofMP.com feature H e might have an entire community to serve and protect, but Chief of Police Carl Ritchie cares about each and every resident. “I love changing lives,” he said. “I try to treat everyone with respect, and I have met many criminals who turned their lives around.” Ritchie has dedicated 32 years to the police force, delving deep into the issues that affect this town. “When I became chief, we had a huge suicide problem. We tackled it by immediately connecting victims with advocates.” His department is also the first in the state to launch First Step, recovery-focused services for opioid users that has successfully reduced the number of addicts. “When we hire officers, we want the right fit. We require a college degree. We explain the expectations that this town requires,” he said. “This community has always supported us, and I really believe it’s a matter of mutual trust and respect.” . t leasa t a azi e.c | .ILove ountPleasant.co | .BestO . Photo by Juli Kaplan.