Biography of Thomas J. Richie

Tom is the youngest of six children to Jim and Corinne Richie. He received his entire primary education from the Barron School District. Tom has always been driven and took academics and athletics seriously. He graduated a member of the National Honor Society and accomplished an undefeated wrestling season his senior year as a WIAA state champion.

Thomas J. Richie

After graduating from Barron High School in 1991, Tom attended the University of Wisconsin - River Falls for three semesters where he studied chemistry and biology. He transferred to the University of Wisconsin - Parkside in Kenosha, midway through his sophomore year. While at UW - Parkside, Tom enrolled in an elective law class and became fascinated with the criminal justice system. He graduated from UW - Parkside in May of 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. That summer, Tom attended the police academy at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, and became a certifiable law enforcement officer.

Tom began working as a police officer in the Village of Cameron in July, 1996 and became Chief of Police three months later, in October. Tom was also was an active member of the Barron/Rusk County Drug Task Force. He was involved in the arrest of more than 75 Felony drug traffickers. While working full-time, Tom earned his master’s degree in Management Administration from Cardinal Stritch University out of Milwaukee.

In the spring of 2002, Tom announced his candidacy for Barron County Sheriff. He ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility and suggested that it was time for a change in Barron County Law Enforcement. Tom saw overwhelming support and came out on top.

September 10, 2002 Primary Election:
Tom Richie - 3441 votes
John Postle - 601 votes

November 5, 2002 General Election:
Tom Richie - 8413 votes
Al Lentz - 5760 votes

Tom has always been a community partner. He is active in the Barron County Restorative Justice Program where he serves on the board of directors and as treasurer, the Ecumenical Christian Men’s Club, The Rice Lake Lion’s Club and the Barron Kiwanis Club. He is a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rice Lake where he serves as an usher and takes regular hours in the adoration chapel.

Tom enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, golfing and outdoor activities.