Chief Rick Townsend filled the vacant Police position on the Advisory Committee in July, 2004. He previously served on the Committee for several terms. Rick has a B.A. Degree from Salem State College in Salem, Massachusetts. He also holds a M.ED. from the University of North Florida. Rick was hired by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in 1974. He was appointed Chief of Detectives by Sheriff John Rutherford in July, 2003 and Chief of Professional Services in January, 2005.