A life of service.

  Richard D. “Dick” Stobbs was born and raised in Colerain, Belmont County, Ohio.  His parents both served on active duty in World War II.  Edna was in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, and Donald a U. S. Naval air pilot and navigator stationed in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, and part of the Pacific Theatre.

  While growing up on their dairy farm, Dick was active in 4-H, Junior Leaders and Church  Youth Groups.  He graduated from Martins Ferry High School and assisted the Colerain Volunteer Fire Company as a firefighter and emergency squad member. He was active in the Tri-County Volunteer Fireman’s Association as well as the Ohio First Aid and Rescue Association in which he often served as a first aid competition judge at conferences.

  Stobbs attended Ohio University, Belmont Campus, spending several summers as laborer and carbon setter at Ormet Corp, Monroe County, until answering the call of his country to serve in the United States Army in 1968.  After Advanced Infantry training at Fort Jackson, S. C., Stobbs was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse), Viet Nam.  He served on the First Squadron Commander’s staff as an administrative clerk in S-1 and then as a machine gunner.  Specialist Four Stobbs finished his 14-month Viet Nam tour as a Combat Correspondent on the Regimental Commander’s Staff.  He was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and an Honorable Discharge.

This is my home.

  After returning home, Stobbs completed his BBA degree at Ohio University, Athens, and pursued a successful career in law enforcement and government.  He worked at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, Mingo Junction in the 80” Hot Strip Mill as a supervisor prior to being elected Belmont County Sheriff in 1980.   His notable accomplishments as sheriff included:  implementing the Belmont County Drug Strike Force, receiving State grants for Litter Control, a juvenile officer, and $1.8 million State grant for a new jail in 1984, later built in 1996.  He also became a Lifetime Certified Law Enforcement Instructor.  Stobbs was active in the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Assn, and served on its Legislative Committee.

  Stobbs then served over twelve years in the Federal Service, including three years with the United States Department of Justice, Washington, D. C.  He worked directly with governor’s representatives to administer Federal funding for specific programs such as McGruff the Crime Dog, Ohio Utilities Eyes for Crime and Crimestoppers International.  President Reagan’s U. S. Attorney General Ed Meese personally recognized Dick Stobbs for his “Contributions to Law Enforcement.” 

  Dick Stobbs earned a Master’s degree in Administration from Central Michigan University (1995).  He has been married to Jo Ann Willey of Caldwell for 31 years.  They are the parents of a daughter, three sons and have two granddaughters. Jo Ann is a recent cancer survivor.

For the people, with the people.

  Stobbs has been active in numerous civic and fraternal organizations, including the Columbus and St. Clairsville Jaycees, Rotary International, American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS). He is a Life Member of the Republican National Committee, a Life Member of the National Rifle Association, and of the Ohio Gun Collectors.  Dick Stobbs is a member of Belmont County Farm Bureau, American Legion Post 38 (Martins Ferry), Life Member of Disabled American Veterans Post 117 (Bellaire), 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Viet Nam and Cambodia, and Charter Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8848 (Colerain).