Marshal's Message

Welcome to the Ridgeway Marshal’s Office "Home to one of Wisconsin's last Marshals' Office".  

“Catch the Spirit of Community Policing” – an embrace of Ridgeway’s Lore of the “Famous Ghosts”, a motto to combine history and modern concepts in our policing philosophy.

My name is Michael J F Gorham.  I have served as a Police Officer/Deputy Sheriff in Southwestern Wisconsin for over thirty years. I have held many titles, and served in many capacities. In 2018, I was hired by the Village of Ridgeway as the OIC of the Ridgeway Police Department. As a move in strategy to promote and foster a new philosophy in community policing with the residents and guests of Ridgeway, I asked the Village Board of Trustees to return to the position of Village Marshal pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute 61.28. The Marshal's position serves much like police chief, but the title is more appropriate for a smaller community with old-world charm. Ridgeway we believe has the last and only true Marshal's Office in the State of Wisconsin. Our focus is on problem-solving and working with the community.  What makes our great relationship with our community is our triad of communication, trust, and respect. Thank you for being great partners. Come visit Ridgeway where you are at home and are encouraged to visit any of our area businesses.

I thank you for taking to the time to visit our page, and would strongly encourage you to visit Ridgeway and Iowa County for the many attractions and beautiful landscape we enjoy here. 

Professionally,

Michael J F Gorham                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Marshal, Badge #715                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

To see police policies, visit our Policies page.