Tuesday, February 13, 2024–8:57 p.m.

-David Crowder, WRGA News-

The Rome City Commission read a proclamation Monday night honoring the Rome Police Department’s 2023 Officer of the Year, PFC Investigator Chris Ridling.

Last year, PFC Investigator Ridling responded to various crimes including robberies, burglaries, and thefts of large equipment.

“PFC Investigator Ridling worked tirelessly, working overtime, locating witnesses, and suspects in pursuit of solving these cases,” said Rome City Commissioner Harry Brock, reading from the proclamation Monday. “His investigations and meticulous information gathering resulted in multiple arrests, recoveries, and clearances, not only in his cases, but other investigations locally, and in other cities and states.”

Ridling’s efforts led to the recovery of stolen property and firearms estimated at around $172,000 in value.

“He has worked in our patrol division and he is a certified field training officer,” said Rome Police Chief Denise Downer-McKinney. “He has achieved over 2,851 professional training hours and is currently assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division. So, I commend him. He is one of Rome’s finest, and I am proud of him.”

Ridling was named Officer of the Month for August and December of 2023.

He was also the 2022 Officer of the Year.

From left to right: Assistant Rome City Police Chief Rodney Bailey, Rome Police Chief Denise Downer-McKinney, Rome City Commissioner Harry Brock, and PFC Investigator Chris Ridling (City of Rome photo)