2017 November PASO Magazine

PASO’S POLICE DEPARTMENT
HAS A NEW SERGEANT
D
etective RICKY LEHR was
sworn in as the newest Sergeant for the El
Paso de Robles Police Department on Oct.
2nd. Chief Burton began by commenting
on Ricky’s humbleness, dedication to the positions
he’s held and how well he represents
the whole department. City Manager, Tom
Frutchy, did the actual swearing-in and capped
it off by leading a loud and long ovation and
the words, “We are very excited to have you in
this new role in which, when you retire, you’ll
have helped make Paso better and more safe
than it was when you began your career.”
Ricky was born and raised in the San
Fernando Valley. As a high-schooler, he was
deep into sports and played varsity football,
basketball and baseball. He lettered in all
three and thus was in the thick of the teams.
His parents had a place at “The Lake” and,
as they vacationed there often, those trips
unknowingly shaped Ricky’s fondness for
the Central Coast.
City Manager Tom Frutchy and Chief Robert Burton
welcome new PRPD sergeant Ricky Lehr.
BY CHUCK DESMOND
When High School was finished, Ricky decided
to serve – and serve he did! As an eighteen
year-old, Ricky enlisted in the Marine
Corps and for eight years, he did us proud!
Stationed in Japan, Hawaii, San Diego and
other locations across America, Ricky got out
as a Sergeant. You can just tell he was a Marine;
poised, shoulders back, erect, look-ya-inthe-eye
and, he even called me “sir.” Of course
I’m three times his age so maybe he was afraid
I’d croak in the interviewing room!
His active duty ended in 2004, and by then
Ricky knew he wanted to be a policeman. His
father was an investigator in law enforcement
and Ricky had heard enough about the work
that he liked the feel of what his career could
be. As he looked around, the hoards of people
in the greater LA area were a turn-off.
However “that Central Coast area” seemed
just perfect. It had that innate draw. Boy, how
many times have we heard that! His folks
were relocating to the area so that helped.
Ricky applied all over the county and lo and
behold, Chief Dennis Cassidy (at that time)
just happened to have an opening. He took a
chance on the former-Marine and it paid off.
Mr. Lehr attended Allen Hancock’s Police
Academy, graduated of course, and was sworn
in as a patrolman for the Paso PD. He reported
to (then) Sergeants Tim Murphy and
Ty Lewis who in turn reported to Lt. Robert
Burton. My, times have changed; both of
those Sergeants are now Lieutenants and Mr.
Burton is the Police Chief! They’re all really
good guys by the way!
ROUND TOWN
Ricky Lehr swears in with the Paso Robles
sun beaming down at PRPD.
Eight years on patrol was plenty and
Ricky was promoted to General Detective
– it’s a squad of two with Nick Bier-Stanberry
as the other detective. Earlier this
year, Sergeant Clint Winter decided to retire
after 30 years on the job. The opening
for a replacement was posted and there was
a fair number of certainly well-qualified applicants
who applied for the position that
was awarded to Ricky.
Currently we have 33 sworn officers, two
K-9 dogs, one patrol motorcycle and three
Community Service officers. Applications
are being taken to fill the now-vacated detective
position.
Ricky met his wife (a SLO gal) at Hancock.
They and their four children live in
a lovely rural setting outside city-limits.
Ricky says it’s a Blessing to be here as a part
of this community and he wasted no time in
finishing that thought with the words, “This
is our forever home!”
Sergeant Lehr, congratulations on the promotion!
Thank you for what you do for us
Roblans. Keep well and stay safe!
36 PASO Magazine, November 2017