Howard Wooldridge turned an eight hour ride along program into a police career of 18 years in Mid-Michigan, retiring as a detective from Bath Township. As an officer he was recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, MADD, for his focus on arresting drunk drivers. He was called 'Hiway Howie' by his detractors, even as Bath Township went a record 6 years without a fatal accident. As a detective, his efforts resulted in a 'closed by arrest' rate of 83% for home burglaries (nationally the closure rate is about 15%)

He was a faculty member of Lansing Community College, teaching criminal report writing. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Michigan State University. Living abroad for over two years, he is fluent in German, French and Spanish & has traveled to 36 countries.

The travel bug came from his father who was 26 years a United States Marine. In 2003 he rode 'Paul Revere' style from Georgia to Oregon to educate Americans on the failure of modern prohibition. In 2005 he rode from Los Angeles to New York City advocating a public health approach to drugs. Due to his travels on horseback, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society. The first book in the new century written by a horse Misty's Long Ride by Smooth Georgia Mist was his partner traveling across North America.

Shortly after leaving police work, he became a bi-lingual speaker at Texas Rotary and Kiwanis clubs promoting an end to the War on Drugs. In 2002 he and four colleagues founded Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, serving on the Board of Directors from 2002 – 2007. He has been representing LEAP in Washington, DC since 2005.

Wooldridge has been a guest lecturer at six colleges and universities.

Expertise: Traffic & DUI enforcement
Knowledgeable: Police Detective skills

"Howard was an effective speaker, straight-forward and honest."
         Buddy Williams, president of the SW Fort Worth Kiwanis Club

"Thank you Howard for an interesting and thought provoking presentation"
         Sarah Benedek, program chair, Fort Collins, CO Kiwanis

"Great Program and thought provoking. Thanks for coming!!"
         Allen Paty, Program Director, Smoking Hills ­ Aurora, CO Rotary Club