Lt. Dale Ritchhart hails from Lincoln, Illinois, which is located in the South central part of the state. Prior to beginning his law enforcement career, Dale worked construction and was a member of Labor Local 895 and Teamster Local 916.

In March of 1982 Lt. Ritchhart enrolled in the Southwest Florida Police Academy sponsored by the Punta Gorda Police Department where he worked as a patrol officer for about 10 months. In January 1983, he began work at the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy.

While at the sheriff’s office, Lt. Ritchhart has worked at a variety of assignments. He has served as a motorcycle officer in the Traffic Unit, as a detective in property crimes, crimes against persons, crimes against children, Intelligence, and the Narcotics Unit. He was also assigned to the Fort Myers office of the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Task Force Agent.

Lt. Ritchhart was a member of his Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team for 18 consecutive years, the last two years as a sniper. He is a past member of the Sheriff’s Office honor guard.

Lt. Ritchhart is an inductee of the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame. He is a Mason and is a member of the Scottish Rite, the Shriner’s, the Punta Gorda Elks Club and the F.O.P. He enjoys hobbies such as motorcycle riding, boating and fishing, and physical fitness.

Lt. Ritchhart is married to Connie Ritchhart, who is a Senior Vice President of a local bank. Together they have 7 children and 6 grandchildren, with another one expected in November 2009.