MEET RYAN FULLER, a second-generation hero who has dedicated his life to safeguarding the Winchester community as a proud member of the Winchester Police Department. Born and raised in this tight-knit county, Fuller’s bond with his beloved Franklin County runs deep.
The Franklin County native graduated from Franklin County High School (FCHS) in 2007, Motlow State in 2009, and completed Tennessee State University’s Criminal Justice Program hosted at the Lynchburg campus of Motlow State in 2011. During his college days, Fuller served as a dispatcher at the Franklin County Communications Center, establishing a foundation rooted in public safety.
Fuller often jokes about hindsight being 20/20, longing for the college days when he could have acquired the “trait” to explore beyond his hometown.
“I always stayed in Franklin County. I would always consider myself a homebody because I never wanted to leave the Franklin County and Estill Springs area because it’s home. I don’t know anything different.”
Now, as a devoted husband of 11 years and a proud father of two precious children, Fuller’s attachment to Franklin County has only grown stronger. His heart beats in sync with the rhythm of this community, and he envisions his future firmly rooted within its borders.
Fuller’s journey with the Winchester Police Department began in January 2012, marking over a decade of service to the very streets he roamed as a child. With a father and two uncles who dedicated their lives to law enforcement, the path seemed almost predestined. Yet, it was a calling that resonated within Fuller’s soul that was never forced upon him.
“It never was forced upon me, but I never felt the calling to do anything else besides the public safety realm.”
His enthusiasm for his chosen career lies in the ever-changing nature of each day.
He remarked, “I enjoy how no two days are the same.”
In his formative years, Ryan witnessed his father, Tim Fuller, a respected figure in law enforcement, rise through the ranks, holding positions such as investigator, captain of investigations, chief deputy, and even sheriff. Tim’s stories of triumph and camaraderie resonated deeply within young Ryan, igniting a fire that would shape his destiny.
“Looking back, it was a neat thing because my dad would ‘go out and get the bad guy.’ It was pretty cool. It was always cool to turn the TV on, and my dad would be doing an interview about a bad case, a boat crash, or a crime. That was what I always thought was cool. And that’s what always drew me into it.”
He continued, “It was better than any “Law and Order” show or anything that you could watch because I felt like I kind of lived it growing up.”
Inspired by his father’s ability to build lasting relationships within the community, Ryan finds immense joy in connecting with people from all walks of life. He believes in debunking stereotypes and dismantling barriers that hinder a harmonious relationship between law enforcement and the public.
“I want people to know who the police are before they need us. Because when we’re busy, people’s lives are rough. The part I enjoy in my position is that when I’m not busy, I like meeting people to build a positive relationship with those people before they need us.”
Last year, driven by his deep-rooted desire to cultivate relationships, Ryan participated in Leadership Franklin County, immersing himself further in the community. He cherished his time on patrol and the opportunity to let community members get to know the heart behind the badge.
Of course, a career in law enforcement requires sacrifice, a fact well-known to the Fuller family. Ryan recalls countless nights, holidays, and weekends that transformed into moments spent tirelessly working around the city. Yet he perceives these challenges as opportunities that allow him to foster valuable relationships and explore the diverse facets of his career.
“There [are] a lot of good people here that serve their communities. And they’re all doing it for the right reasons. We’re here because we care. And we want to do a good job and do it right.”
As Ryan’s journey continues, the possibilities seem boundless. With over a decade of service behind him, he eagerly anticipates the next chapter in his career and is eager to leave a mark on the Winchester community.
His determination, fueled by his desire to connect with his fellow community members, sets him apart as a true Southern hero. With a warm smile and a handshake that exudes honor, Ryan embodies the true spirit of law enforcement, ensuring that Franklin County remains a haven of safety, warmth, and goodwill. GN
