Rick Padgett:  

Life Graduated in 1994...began college at ATU. Stayed at ATU and began law enforcement career in 1996 with Yell County Sheriff's Department. Opted to go into Law Enforcement full time in 1997. Met wife, Kristi, in 1997 while she was an Assistant Director of the Juvenile Detention Center. I was cleared to attend a Part Time II Law Enforcement Course, even as a 20 year old, which certified me as an entry level part time law enforcement officer. Began working as a Deputy the day I turned 21 in late 1997. In January of 1998, I joined the Danville Police Department. Kristi and I were married in March. She was promoted to Director of the Juvenile Detention Center. We were living in Danville in a rent house and soon after moved back to Plainview. I attended the Law Enforcement Training Academy in Jan. of 1999 and graduated 6th in my class of 108 in March. My little girl, Kayla Brooke, was born in June of 1999. In March of 2001 my son, Cade Matthew, was born. In September of 2001, soon after the 9-11 attacks, I graduated from the U of A CJI institute's Police Instructor Course in Little Rock. A week later an instructor with the course, a retired FBI agent who apparently liked my presentation, contacted me an requested to use my course presentation to teach future courses. Soon after I was promoted to Corporal in the patrol division. In April of 2003, I was promoted to Chief of Police. We moved back to Danville soon after and purchased a house. I have also rejoined the fire department in Danville since moving back. I attended EMT Basic Training in 2004 to advance my career in emergency service. I recently passed my NREMT Exam and Practical Exams on my first attempt. Now I'm certified as a Law Enforcement Instructor, Fire Fighter, Rescue Extrication and a...Expand for more