The Ridgeway Marshal will be retiring in June. Michael Francis Gorham has been with the Village of Ridgeway for eight years. Marshal Mike has made changes to how law enforcement in this small community works with the residents. The comparison to Mayberry under Andy Griffith, less Barney, has been made several times. The change to a Marshal was his suggestion and has been positive. With the Marshal’s retirement, the Village of Ridgeway will not be filling the position but rather will be contracting law enforcement services.
Michael Gorham’s law enforcement career unofficially started in July 1986 when he moved to Madison, Wisconsin. His first position in 1989 was actually a volunteer with the Broadhead Police Department in drug enforcement. This was to gain experience and get certified. Michael said that is something people do when you are young and eager.
In 1990, his career actually started with the Belleville Police Department. Later in the 1990’s, Michael taught in-house security part-time at both East Town Mall and West Town Mall. With every opportunity, the experience helped to move his knowledge forward.
Other security positions were with Tri-State Security, JBM Patrol & Protection, and the University of Wisconsin. Opportunities with other municipalities include Avoca, Monticello, Benton, South Wayne, Poynette, Hazel Green, Cuba City, and Shullsburg. Michael also gained experience with the Sheriff Departments of Lafayette and Green Counties.
Marshal Michael Gorham has been an instructor for EMS response to an Active Threat Event, also known as an active shooter. This was with the Barneveld Rescue Squad and Ridgeway First Responders in November of 2024. Michael has shared his experiences with the Iowa County
Technical Rescue Team from when he was a deputy with Lafayette County. Michael is serving as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Barneveld and Dodgeville, which provides extra daytime coverage.
In the future, the Village of Ridgeway will be contracting services with the Iowa County Sheriff’s Department. It is expected that Ridgeway will primarily be covered by one deputy for most hours of coverage. The coverage will be different, but has the opportunity to adapt as needed. “Our commitment is to serve this community with integrity, transparency, and the community’s best interests in mind,” said Sheriff Michael Peterson.
Marshall Mike, for the last seven years, has adapted to primary afternoons and nights. His focus has been on reducing nighttime criminal activities and making simple observations, like garage doors not properly closed. Having a different police presence can become stressful and escalate rapidly. It is suggested to observe speed limits and ordinance violations, they are not crimes but violations. Also remember that OWI, reckless driving, and refusing to identify yourself can actually lead to an arrest.
Everyone is welcome on Monday, May 18th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Ridgeway Community Center in the multi-purpose room to celebrate the retirement of Marshal Mike and wish him well in his next chapter. He has served Ridgeway and other surrounding communities with integrity and in a professional manner.