Tecumseh native inducted into MSU Criminal Justice Wall of Fame

During the month of November, Tecumseh native Ritchie T. Davis was recently inducted into the Michigan State University (MSU) School of Criminal Justice Wall of Fame. The Wall of Fame salutes the accomplishments and career of outstanding law enforcement professionals who are Michigan State University’s Criminal Justice System Program alumni. The award was given to Davis during an inductee’s ceremony on the MSU campus last month.

Davis was nominated by fellow Wall of Fame member Dennis Halverson, retired police chief of Charlevoix Police Department. The award centers on honoring a select group of alumni who have attainted the highest level of professional accomplishment, and who demonstrate character and integrity during their careers.

Davis worked as a patrol officer with the Ann Arbor Police Department before continuing on with the MSU Public Safety Department. In 1963, Davis became a trooper with the Michigan State Police as a member of the 52nd recruit school class. A year later, in 1974, Davis graduated from MSU with a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice degree while working for the department. He then obtained his Masters of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University. Governor James Blanchard appointed Davis director of the State Police. Davis was promoted to colonel in 1991.

Davis was also the Project Director for the Michigan Truck Safety Commission, where he implemented many professional truck driver safety programs. He was also appointed to the Michigan Gaming Commission by Governor John Engler.

Davis currently lives in Charlevoix with his wife, Marsha, and remains active in the Michigan State Police Retirees Network.