Bio

DISTRICT
State Representative Rick Jones from Grand Ledge was re-elected to his third term in the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2008 representing residents of Eaton County in the 71st District.

EDUCATION
Rick received Police Certification from Lansing Community College Police Academy and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in Criminal Justice. He also attended Executive Leadership Training from Central Michigan University. He received further professional development training from the F.B.I. (Executive Leadership Training), the U.S. Department of Treasury (Crisis Management Training), and the U.S. Department of Justice (Correctional Leadership Training).

PROFESSIONAL
Rick Jones was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2004. Prior to this, he worked 33 years in law enforcement, serving over 30 years with the Eaton County Sheriff Department. Rick started as a deputy and worked his way up through the ranks as sergeant, lieutenant, and captain before being elected sheriff in 2000.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AND AFFILIATIONS
Rick volunteers with Eaton Community Hospice, delivers Meals-On-Wheels to shut-ins, and volunteers with Area 8 Special Olympics. Rick is a 17-gallon donor with the Red Cross and is a fundraising-events volunteer for Woldumar Nature Center. He was a construction volunteer for the Imagination Station and Playground of Dreams, community playgrounds in Potterville and Eaton Rapids. Rick is a Member of Grand Ledge Rotary, American Legion S.A.L Post 42, Eaton County Farm Bureau. Rick is an active participant in charity events: Crop Walk, Relay for Life, and Walk for Warmth.

SPECIAL AWARDS
Rick has been awarded the Service to Children Award from the Eaton County Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council, the "Very Involved Person" Award from the Greater Lansing 100 Club for volunteer work, as well as appreciation awards from the Dimondale Lions, the Olivet Rotary, and the American Legion. He received the Charlotte Community Excellence Award for volunteer work from the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. He was also awarded Eaton County Sheriff's Award for Bravery. While serving in the Michigan House of Representatives, Rick has received "Legislator of the Year" awards from: Dads and Moms of Michigan, Fight Crime Invest in Kids, Police Officers Association of Michigan, Fraternal Order Police, and Michigan Sheriff's Association. He has also received special recognition from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, the "Brandi Award" from the Michigan State Bar Animal Law Section and an appreciation award from the Military Officers Association.

PERSONAL
Rick has been married to Charlene for over 35 years. They have two children, Kate and Charlie. They also have a grandson, Nick. Rick is an active member of the Grand Ledge First United Methodist Church. Rick was born November 17, 1952.