Some people leave a memory; others, a legacy. Former Dublin Police Chief Ronald “Ron” Ferrell was certainly the latter. Today, the City of Dublin and Dublin Police Department mourn the loss of Ferrell, who served as chief from 1988 to 1996.
Chief Ferrell joined Dublin during a time of significant growth for the community and helped build the foundation for the professional police department that serves Dublin today. His leadership strengthened the department’s policies, staffing, equipment and high standards while preparing the agency to meet the needs of a growing city.
One of his lasting achievements was leading the Dublin Police Department through its first CALEA Law Enforcement Accreditation, beginning a tradition of professional excellence that continues today. Under his leadership, the department also increased staffing, established professional uniform standards, upgraded its equipment and vehicle fleet, improved officer compensation and moved into the Dublin Justice Center in 1993, which remains the community’s police headquarters.
“Every member of the Dublin Police Department, past and present, has benefited from the foundation he built,” Police Chief Justin Páez said.
A Legacy Beyond Dublin
Chief Ferrell’s influence extended throughout Ohio. In addition to leading police departments in Dublin, Lebanon and Mason, he served in leadership roles with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. He also served as president of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police from 1990 to 1991 and later worked with the association to help assess and develop future police leaders.
His commitment to law enforcement was matched by a lifelong commitment to learning. Chief Ferrell earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Cincinnati and received his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in 1997 following statewide research evaluating the Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or D.A.R.E., program. A copy of his dissertation remains on display in the Dublin Police Chief’s office at the Dublin Justice Center.
Chief Ferrell’s influence also continued through the police leaders he mentored, including former Dublin Police chiefs Rob Geis, Mike Epperson and Heinz von Ecksartsberg.
Chief Páez reflected on that lasting impact:
“To Chief Ferrell, we owe profound and lasting gratitude. He laid the foundations and traditions of professional police service that we have inherited, and we continue to honor his legacy through our continued Dedication to Service and Commitment to Excellence.”
The City of Dublin and Dublin Police Department extend heartfelt condolences to Chief Ferrell’s wife, Mary Lou, and to his family, friends, loved ones and law enforcement colleagues. His service to Dublin helped shape a department and a tradition of public service that continue to benefit the community today.
