Today, we honor and remember πππ₯ ππ«π¨π°π§, a man whose lasting impact on our community will never be forgotten. From his devoted service as Chief of Police with the Arcata Police Department to his outstanding leadership at the Blue Lake Rancheria as Head of Security and Chief of Tribal Police, Melβs legacy was defined by his unwavering commitment to service, kindness, and connection.
Throughout his career, Mel had countless admirable moments, one of the most notable being when he safely apprehended armed bank robbers on property without incident, ensuring the safety of the public and demonstrating his extraordinary professionalism and calm demeanor.
Beyond his dedication to public service, Mel had a love for riding motorcycles, finding joy and freedom on the open road. He had an incredible ability to make everyone he met feel valued and is fondly remembered for his warmth, steady presence, and remarkable sense of humor.
We miss you, Mel, and hold you deeply in our heartsβespecially today, on your birthday. 
βπ»ππ π©πππ π³πππ πΉππππππππ ππππππ πππππ π΄ππ. π―π πππ πππ ππππππ , πππ ππππππ ππππππ, πππ πππππππ, πππ ππ πππ πππππ ππππ π ππππππ ππ ππ πππ ππ. π―π πππ π πππππ ππ ππ πππ πππππ πππ πππ ππ πππ πππ πΊππππ πͺππππ. π―π πππ πππ πππππ ππ ππππππ ππ ππππππππ πππππ, πππ ππ πππ π ππππππππ ππππ ππππ ππππ πππ ππππππ . π―π πππ π ππ πππππ πππ πππ. πΆππ ππππ πππ πππ ππππ ππ πππππππππ πππ ππππππππ.β -Arla Ramsey, Vice Chairperson
Originally Published: 1/27/2025