Lee Trawick
Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
Although he was a Suwannee High School Class of 1998 graduate, Anthony “Tony” Rickerson was a lifelong Hamilton County resident. He began his law enforcement career in 2008 by working for the Florida Department of Corrections. Then, in 2010, he crossed over into the police academy. Rickerson was hired a year later by the City of Jasper Police Department to work under then-Police Chief Jeff McGwire. Over the years, he climbed the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and captain before being named interim police chief for three years. In September 2022, he was officially named police chief of the Jasper Police Department.
Many knew of him as the man in uniform, but Rickerson was so much more than the protector of the city he grew up in. In 2016, he met his wife, Sheena, and declared his feelings for her to his friend from the moment he saw her. The two were married on Nov. 4, 2017, and began building their family of three children.
“He was a man of action. He didn't talk a lot, but Rickerson showed how he felt by his actions. He was a man that would always put people before himself,” said Sam McDonald, a close friend of Rickerson's. “He was a true friend. If he was your friend, you viewed him as a family because he treated you as his own family. He was always there for anyone in need, no matter the situation. That's just who he was; if he couldn't be there, he would call to check on you.”
“He was like a son to me,” said Jasper resident Loretta Taylor. “When my dad got sick, he was there to help me get him loaded into the vehicle, and would make sure we got to and from his doctor's appointments. Then, when my father passed away, he was there to console me by saying, 'This will pass, there will be days like this, but this will pass.'”
Rickerson was well-known as a father first, husband second, and friend and protector of the city last.
Tragically, at approximately 10:25 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, a call came through dispatch of a possible vehicle accident near County Road 143. The caller reported hearing a sound resembling a vehicle accident, but did not know the location at the time of the call. She later found the vehicle in question and was able to provide the exact location. The first to arrive on- scene were Deputies Daniel Hunter and Quentien Miller with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, quickly followed by Officer Derek Holton with the Jasper Police Department.
Investigation from the Florida Highway Patrol found the vehicle was traveling northbound on County Road 143 when it struck a deer in the roadway, causing the vehicle to exit the road and strike a tree. Upon coming to final rest, the vehicle caught on fire. Sadly, the driver's identity was determined to be that of Chief Rickerson. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Rickerson leaves behind his wife, one daughter, two sons, his mother and sister.
“Tony was the most selfless person. He had a servant's heart,” said Carey Carmichael, a close friend of the Rickerson family. “He always gave everything he had to the community, his family and his friends. His presence will leave a void that cannot be filled.”
“On behalf of the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Chief Tony Rickerson,” Lafayette County Sheriff Brian Lamb said. “Our prayers for comfort and strength will be with each of you today and in the days ahead.”
Hamilton County Sheriff Harrell Reid took time to reflect on Rickerson's time with the police department. “He was good to work with. He always did what's best for the citizens. We had a great relationship working together; his department was always willing to back us up throughout the county, and we would work with his department in the city,” he said. “Tony was about the people. He would always put their needs before his own. He was the very definition of what a public servant is.”
“Chief Rickerson was a dedicated and passionate leader, committed to serving and protecting the citizens of Jasper,” Suwannee County Sheriff Sam St. John said. “In this challenging time, the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at the Jasper Police Department. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our full support to Chief Rickerson's family, friends and colleagues as they navigate this unimaginable loss."
Upon hearing of the tragic loss, Florida Congresswoman Kat Cammack took the time to pay her respects. “Today, our hearts break for the City of Jasper and Hamilton County with the news of Chief of Police Tony Rickerson's death. Chief Rickerson was a dedicated public servant, serving as chief since September of last year after his time as interim chief. He worked hard to keep the City of Jasper and its residents safe, while also being a loving husband and father to his wife and three children,” she said. “To Chief Rickerson's family, friends and colleagues, we vow to honor his legacy and memory as we mourn his loss.”
Chief Rickerson was deeply involved throughout the community, not only as the chief of police, but as a caring and proud citizen of Hamilton County. His sacrifice and dedication to the City of Jasper and Hamilton County can not be measured, as he was an example to many. It is said he was not a man of many words, but rather a man of action. He wore many hats throughout his life; he was a loving father, and a loving and adoring husband. He was a son, brother and a born leader. His presence cast a shadow over any room he walked into. To some, he was larger than life without ever saying a word. He would often give up his time to be a shoulder to cry on or be the anchor in the midst of a storm for those who needed it. As a father, he was the proudest. As a husband, he was the most smitten. As a chief, he embraced his platform as a public servant. He exemplified the very fabric of dedication and sacrifice. He was a mentor to those under him, and an example to follow on how to be a public servant. He was proud of Hamilton County and the City of Jasper, and did not take for granted the honor to watch over the City of Jasper.
The City of Jasper and all of Hamilton County will mourn the loss of Chief Rickerson.