RUTH ANN DICKERSON TO BE INTERIM SHERIFF'S TOP DEPUTY

JACKSON -- Ruth Ann Dickerson, an 11-year member of the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department, was appointed Thursday to become chief deputy when Leonard Hines moves to interim sheriff Monday.

Norman Copeland, sheriff since March 1986, resigns Monday. The County Commission named Hines, who had been Copeland's chief deputy, interim sheriff.

Voters will elect a sheriff in November to serve the remaining two years of Copeland's term.

Hines said he discussed Dickerson's appointment with Copeland and Presiding Commissioner Gene Huckstep, and they were pleased with the choice.

"I can assure you the appointment is based on merit," said Hines. "She will help me keep this ship on a steady course here."

Dickerson is one of three commissioned female officers on the staff and is one of four lieutenants that report to the chief deputy.

She is currently in charge of the communications and clerical divisions.

A lifelong resident of Cape County, Dickerson worked in the circuit clerk's office before joining the sheriff's office 11 years ago as bookkeeper for former sheriff Bob Gribler. She served as desk sergeant when Copeland took over, and after about a year was promoted to lieutenant.

Dickerson said she looks forward to serving as chief deputy. "It was an honor to be asked. I anticipate it will be a challenge," said Dickerson.

The Democratic and Republican Party central committees will meet next week to each select a candidate to run in the November general election for sheriff.