Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton served five decades in law enforcement, though it was during his final year on the job that the eyes of the nation were upon him.
Singleton found himself in the middle of a multistate manhunt and media firestorm when a Lauderdale County corrections officer, Vicky White, aided the escape of inmate Casey White. It was, Singleton said, “the most bizarre thing I’ve ever been involved in.”
‘Humbling experience’
On Jan. 22, Singleton celebrated his retirement at a reception at his church, Woodmont Baptist in Florence. About 250 to 300 people came by to wish him well in his retirement, and he got a rousing standing ovation during that morning’s service.
“I’m just always overwhelmed by the support and the love of the community. I was very appreciative of the turnout. Law enforcement a lot of times is a thankless job and to have that opportunity for people to let you know that you’ve made a difference, or at least they feel like you’ve made a difference — it’s a very humbling experience,” Singleton acknowledged.
He was also very thankful his family was there to celebrate with him. His daughters are especially proud of their father.
One of his daughters, Scarlett Nokes, said about her dad, “Today’s church service tribute and reception were both fitting conclusions to Dad’s long and storied career. I heard the same words over and over throughout the day — words like steadfast, faithful, humble and honorable. All describe Dad so well.”
“You don’t have to spend very long with him at all to realize that his relationship with God is his No. 1 priority,” Nokes continued. “He has never wavered from that. Again that word steadfast comes to mind because it describes Dad’s faith perfectly. He does more than talk the talk, he walks the walk, day in and day out.”
His other daughter, Stephanie Bolton, shared, “My dad has always been a man of integrity and character. He does the right thing, even if it is the hardest thing. My dad leads by example, and that impacts people of all ages and walks of life. My dad’s faith, testimony and work ethic have been an example to me for my entire life, and it has been simply wonderful to celebrate this important milestone with him.”
“I expect that retirement won’t slow him down much. He’s just going to find new ways to serve, interact, lead and continue making a Kingdom impact in his community and beyond,” she continued.
‘Service’
Chad Hess, pastor of Woodmont, said he admires Singleton’s character and integrity.
“Sheriff Singleton has exemplified Christian service through his tenure in law enforcement,” Hess said. “His humble service demonstrates the character of Jesus Christ as he has protected and served this community for 50 years.
“I look forward to seeing him every Sunday. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Woodmont served a meal to the inmates at the Lauderdale County Jail. In one of the greatest displays of Christlike humility, the Sheriff cooked, plated and helped serve the meals.
“Someone once told him that they only saw Sheriff Singleton on television when something bad happened. Rick responded, ‘Well, that’s when I’m supposed to step up.’ The world needs more Christian men like Rick Singleton. I’m thankful to learn from him and his willingness to step up when the community needs you.”
Having always wanted to work in the field, Singleton earned a degree in law enforcement and a master’s degree in criminal justice, and he graduated from the FBI National Academy. After only six years working at the Florence Police Department, he became captain.
He was selected as chief of police in 1996 and served in that role more than 16 years before his first retirement. In 2014, he was elected sheriff and served two full terms.
“The first vivid memory I have is the first day I put on the badge. I was a reserve deputy and I was going to the county high schools to park cars on a Friday night. It was hot and dusty. I was sweaty and that dirt and dust was sticking to me … and I was loving every minute of it,” he recalled.
“I knew then it was my calling. As a man of faith, I can look back over my career and see different periods when I was really down, really discouraged, really disappointed because of the way things were working out, and then I looked back later to see that at that particular time and that place, it was actually the best thing that could have happened for my career,” Singleton said.
‘He’s directed my path’
“There’s no question that He’s directed my path as far as my career goes.”
Singleton wanted to help others, and he cherishes stories of lives redirected, like the woman who thanked Singleton and told him that after he arrested her for a DUI, she hadn’t “had a drop” since. And the man who recalled Singleton shaking hands with him and other inmates who were washing police cars and telling them thanks for their work.
“When you were walking away,” the former inmates said, “I made my mind up then that I have some self-worth. I’m better than this. I made the decision right then that I’m never coming back to jail.”
Singleton treated everyone with dignity, no matter what they had done.
Once he shared with a mother whose son was caught stealing money: “There are two kinds of kids in the world — the ones that get caught, and the ones who don’t.”
“Everybody makes mistakes; everyone makes a bad choice from time to time. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are a bad person,” Singleton said. “There’s hope regardless. Of course, as a believer, I know where that hope is at.”
Share with others: