Benjamin Therriault was born and raised on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Western Montana. At 17, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving six years in the US Air Force Security Forces, deploying three times, and becoming a decorated veteran of the Iraq War. Following his honorable discharge, Ben pursued his childhood dream of becoming a police officer, joining the Richmond Police Department in January 2009, where he is currently a Sergeant.
Throughout his law enforcement career, Ben has held numerous special assignments and instructor positions, including roles as a crime-free housing officer, regulatory detective, bicycle officer, and gang detective, as well as a member of various violence reduction street teams. He is also a POST-Certified Taser and Defensive Tactics Instructor, EVOC Instructor, Field Training Officer, Mobile Field Force Grenadier, and Crisis Negotiation Team Member. Ben has been the President of the Richmond Police Officers Association (RPOA) since January 2016 and the Bay Area Director for PORAC since 2018. He has served on several committees and task forces, including the POST Advisory Committee, the Martinez Refinery Company Oversight Committee, and the Martinez Civil Service Commission. Active in the community, Ben serves on the boards of the Richmond Police Activities League (RPAL), Center for Youth Development through Law (CYDL), and The Richmond Fire and Police Holiday Toy Program. He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Contra Costa 100 Club.
Ben holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of San Francisco and is currently a candidate for a master’s in public administration from the same institution. His leadership in the RPOA has led to significant advancements for his members, including securing retiree healthcare, substantial raises, and take-home cars for all patrol officers.