THOMASVILLE — From a former rookie cop to Thomasville City Council members, accolades are the rule following the Monday announcement by Thomasville Police Chief Troy Rich that he will retire in October.

Sgt. Chris Kitlas was Rich’s first hire as police chief in 2014.

“He always calls me the first-round draft pick,” Kitlas, a patrol officer, said. “It’s absolutely sad to see him go. He’s my mentor.”

Thomasville City Council member Todd Mobley worked with Rich when Mobley, now retired, was Thomasville High School principal.

“With his vision and leadership, the police department has been able to move to community-oriented policing strategy, which i believe has been very successful in our community,” Mobley said. “He has done an outstanding job leading our police department. I would like to thank him for 30 years of service in our community.”

Thomasville City Manager Alan Carson described the impact of Rich’s TPD leadership as significant.

The police department has expanded its community-oriented policing strategy, Carson said, adding that Rich’s leadership will be greatly missed.

Kha McDonald, executive director of city Human Resources and Community Relations, agreed.

“Troy’s knowledge about procedural justice and his interest in creating programs that connect the police department with community reflect his long-term commitment to provide public service based on fairness, transparency and a desire to serve,” McDonald said.

McDonald, who was involved in the hiring process when Rich applied with TPD, said Rich’s faith in himself and his desire to turn obstacles into opportunities gave him “heart and soul” that has served Thomasville well for three decades.

“Watching Troy’s growth from patrol officer to chief of police represents so many stunning accomplishments, personally and professionally,” she said. “Over his tenure with TPD, he obtained his undergraduate degree, master’s degree and attended prestigious law enforcement training programs, including the FBI Academy and Georgia Command College. I admire his strength and perseverance as a leader, and I will always be grateful for the friend that he’s been to me.”

Rich was under Nate Tyler’s command when Tyler was a TPD major. 

“I thought he was a fine young man when he moved down here,” Tyler said about Rich, a New Jersey native.

Tyler and Rich developed a friendship that continues today. Rich worked hard and embraced the community-oriented policing concept, Tyler said.

Thomasville resident Geoffrey Young said the city is a better, safer and more unified community because of Rich’s leadership.

“(Chief) Rich is a ‘builder of bridges’ and an innovator who has worked tirelessly toward his vision of inclusiveness and community policing and as such, the Thomasville Police Department has attained a very high standard indeed,” Young said.

Rich will be missed, but his legacy will endure through the outstanding staff and department he leaves behind, Young said.

Said Terry Scott, a former city council member, “Troy, he’s done a great job as chief of police under my administration.”

Recalling an August 2017 incident in which a Thomas County Narcotics/Vice Division agent fatally shot a man, Scott said Rich prevented a dangerous situation that could have developed.

“He reached out to the community,” Scott, also a Thomasville minister, said. “He’s got a lot of accomplishments under his belt. We hate to lose him.”

Lucinda Brown, local NAACP president, credits Rich with keeping order after the shooting.

“There was no animosity in it,” Brown said. “He was doing things the right way. Our city will really miss (Troy) Rich as our chief of police.”

City Council member Jay Flowers said Chief Rich dedicated his career to making sure the TPD was the best-trained force the city could muster. 

“His attention to quality and a community-focused mindset has led to the trust TPD has throughout the city,” Flowers said.

Rich has guided TPD to be recognized by CALEA, the national police accrediting entity, as among the very best in the country, the council member pointed out. 

“(Chief) Rich may not have fully-abandoned his Jersey accent, but he has fully-embraced the Southern culture of manners and respect,” Flowers said. “The chief has often been cited among the most admired in our community. This respect is earned through action not just longevity.”

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820