Police Chief Joe E. Richard
(1941-2025)

Joe was born on March 24, 1941 in Henry County, Ohio, the third of four children born to Albert Roy and Mildred (Orthwein) Richard. He attended McClure High School where he served as Student Council President as a Sophomore and Vice President as a Senior, played basketball, and participated as a news reporter on the annual and newspaper staffs, and in the mixed chorus and Speech Club. He graduated in 1959.

Joe joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 1961 as a Dispatcher in their Defiance Post. He was later appointed to Trooper and served for ten years.

Trooper Richard then joined the Butler County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff.

On September 25, 1971, Deputy Richard joined the Trenton Police Department as its first fulltime police officer and appointed as a Lieutenant. In January 1975, he was promoted to Captain. On December 16, 1976, the Trenton City Council passed an emergency ordinance to create a fulltime Police Chief. On January 1, 1977, Captain Richard was appointed to the position. Chief Richard retired on July 4, 2000 with 39 years of service to his state and community.

He was also a member of Moose and Masonic lodges.

Chief Richard died on September 1, 2025 at the age of 84.

He was predeceased by his first and second wives, Karen (Berlin) Richard and Kathy (Whitaker) Richard; siblings, Rex (Marjorie), Fern (Jim) Kieffer, Paul (Marilyn), Bert (Lavonda), Jerry (Barbara); and granddaughter, Bonnie Sue Wright. Chief Richard is survived by his daughters, a former Middletown

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Breitenbach Anderson Funeral Home at 517 South Sutphin Street in Middletown. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Hickory Flat Cemetery in St. Clair Township.

Memorials may be made to a food pantry or your preferred charity in memory of Joe.

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