MEET RYAN
Growing up in the small town of New Underwood with meager beginnings, Ryan learned what it meant to serve from people like his mom who helped start the New Underwood volunteer ambulance service, his Boy Scout leader and volunteer firefighter chief Ron Racicky, who taught him life skills and the strength and courage it took to serve later in life when responding to vehicle accidents together. And Ryan’s father taught him the value of hard work while working construction together, and how to dig in to a problem.
These are the strong South Dakota values that made Ryan who he is. He works hard, he doesn’t spend money he doesn’t have, he gives a helping hand to those that need it, and does what he can to make this place a little bit better for everyone after him.
“West-River, we’re, hardworking, decent and proudly independent people, and we expect the same of our Sheriff.”
Ryan Mechaley
Pennington County Sheriff Candidate
Certifications and Training
FBI Law Enforcement Executive Seminar & Accreditation
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, was conceived for chief executive officers and provides instruction and facilitation in the areas of leadership, strategic planning, legal issues, labor relations, media relations, social issues, and police programs.
Drug Recognition Expert & Expert Instructor
International Association of Chiefs of Police
The drug recognition expert or drug recognition evaluator (DRE) program trains law enforcement how to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol.
South Dakota Peace Officer
State of South Dakota Law Enforcement Academy
The academy provides training on current law enforcement policies and procedures, non-emergency and emergency response, criminal investigations, legal aspects and human (social) behavior, as well as firearms, use of force, emergency vehicle operations and defensive tactics.
South Dakota Fire Fighter
State of South Dakota
EMT Certified applicants are instructed on fire fighting methods and equipment to safely and effectively combat fires and other public dangers.
National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Instructed in out-of-hospital emergency medical care, critical and emergent patient transportation, and training to stabilize patients ranging from non-emergency to life threatening emergencies.
Awards and Recognitions
2017 Drug Recognition Expert Emeritus
International Association of Chiefs of Police
This honor recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of former DREs who have served
the DEC Program with honor, integrity, and distinction.
2006 Difference Maker Award
Mother’s Against Drunk Driving
Recognizing our law enforcement who go above and beyond in the fight against drunk driving.
2005 Difference Maker Award
Mother’s Against Drunk Driving
Recognizing our law enforcement who go above and beyond in the fight against drunk driving.
2004 Difference Maker Award
Mother’s Against Drunk Driving
Recognizing our law enforcement who go above and beyond in the fight against drunk driving.
2002 Respect for Law Award
Rushmore Optimist Club Law Enforcement of the Year
2007 Safe Driving Award
State of South Dakota
Safe Driving Award for having driven 250,000 + miles with no crashes or chargeable incidents.
2004 Superintendent Performance Award
State of South Dakota
Recognition for crash reduction acitivites to include DUI, hazardous moving and seatbelt enforcement and education.
2003 Superintendent Performance Award
State of South Dakota
Recognition for crash reduction acitivites to include DUI, hazardous moving and seatbelt enforcement and education.
