Age:  52
Served:  20 years

On February 7, 1961, Norman Wildridge came to the Wilson Oil Company demanding that his estranged wife accompany him in his car.  Wildridge was convinced to take along the business owner, Clarence Wilson.  They drove around for awhile and even stopped for lunch.  When they returned to the business, Mrs. Wildridge was able to get into the office and call police.  Patrolman Ratliff responded and found Wilson and Wildridge still seated in the car.  When he tapped on the window, Wildridge opened fire.  In the exchange of gunfire, both Patrolman Ratliff and Wildridge were wounded.  Patrolman Ratliff was rushed to the Dearborn County Hospital, but pronounced dead on arrival.

The entire incident was witnessed by Lawrenceburg Mayor Lou Liddle and Enquirer reporter Bob Johnson, who had heard the call on a police radio and gone to see what was happening.  Wildridge was convicted of murder.

Patrolman Ratliff left a widow and several children.  He is buried in Greendale Cemetery.  Ratliff Drive, the road leading to the Lawrenceburg boat dock, was named in his honor, but in recent years the name has been changed to Tanner Drive.

Almost all the information provided for this narrative was provided by Chris McHenry of Lawrenceburg, If you have further information, artifacts, or pictures of this officer, please contact the Museum Director at Director@GCPHS.com.