Retired Police Chief Passes Away

Ripon Police Department announced this morning that retired police chief Richard Bull passed away.

Chief Richard Bull (courtesy of Ripon Police)

"It is with great sadness and sympathy that we announce the passing of Retired Chief Richard Bull. Chief Bull passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on the afternoon of April 6.", according to the department's social media.

Dick was the Police Chief for the Ripon Police Department from September 6, 2000, through August 20, 2010. During this time he was instrumental in moving the department forward with technological innovation and exponential growth, receiving the California Police Chief’s Association Joe Molloy Award for his work. During his tenure, he was also credited for the many technological awards the department received through his tireless works with the National Institute of Justice and other entities.

Prior to his time with the Ripon Police Department Dick served as the Chief of Police with the Red Bluff Police Department (1990-2000), Chief of Police with the Patterson Police Department (1985-1990), and as a Deputy Sheriff with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department. His public service spanned an impressive 34 years.

While working with the Stanislaus Sheriff's Department and serving the community of Patterson he was ambushed in the parking lot of the police facility and shot 9 times. Surviving the attack Dick had pushed through an extensive recovery time and returned to duty, continuing to be an asset to the various agencies he was a part of.

Dick's foresight and transformative ideas are still felt in the law enforcement community today. His love of Ripon and good works within our community has continued to move us forward into the future.

"Our condolences go out to the Bull Family, as we mourn the loss of a great friend and mentor.", read Ripon Police Department's online statement.