Opinion: What Can We Learn From Chief Ricky Ramie’s “Retirement”?

LYNN HAVEN, F; - Ricky Ramie served for 26 years in the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, retiring in 2017.  A few months later, he was hired by the City of Lynn Haven, soon becoming Chief of Police. He “retired” in September 2025.

The “final straw” that caused Chief Ramie to “retire” was a complaint that filed against him for the personal use of a city golf cart, in violation of the City of Lynn Haven (LH) and Police Department (PD) policies, then later for transporting passengers while off-duty, in further violation of policy.

Chief Ramie signed a contract costing $68,571.48 per year, in violation of policy. His authority was limited to $35,000, without Commission approval.

A written complaint was submitted to the City Commission regarding Chief Ramie’s conduct in a public meeting during which he was adversarial. The person reported that he characterized her school as a “nuisance,” addressed her in a “raised and forceful” tone, called her a “keyboard warrior” and made aggressive remarks, including “Don’t you ever just stop? Don’t you know when to quit?” and “You need to just stop.” This created an uncomfortable and hostile environment, and his conduct was perceived to be unprofessional. He violated PD policy because his behavior was not compatible with the best interests of the city, and policy demands courtesy towards the public and for employees to be “quiet, civil, orderly, and courteous.”

City policy prohibits the hiring of enumerated relatives, domestic or romantic partners “unless otherwise approved by the City Manager.” Chief Ramie implemented a PD policy that exceeded his authority and would have allowed the PD to employ immediate family members. He also violated PD policy which requires LHPD members to “conduct themselves in a manner that does not bring discredit to themselves, the LHPD or the City of Lynn Haven,” and PD policy that required him to be, “honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official life” and “exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations of my department.”

Last year, Chief Ramie was involved in a single vehicle accident while driving his city vehicle in Kinsaul Park. He hit a pole which caused damage to his city-issued truck, left the scene of the accident and did not report it until two days later, in violation of city and PD policies. 

The list goes on and on. 

Have you lost trust in those in positions of power? Do you want transparency, perhaps an audit of the policies and finances of Police Departments, Sheriff Departments and State Attorneys? Should State Attorneys, Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police be term-limited to 8 years?

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