Rick Snyder appeared on The Hammer and Nigel Show Monday afternoon to share two major announcements for Indianapolis law‑enforcement officers. He confirmed his decision to step down as president of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 86 and revealed his candidacy for vice president of the National FOP.

National ambition rooted in local experience

During the interview Snyder highlighted his five‑year tenure as lodge president, noting that under his leadership Lodge 86 secured three contracts he described as “the best in the city’s history.” He also referenced the $400 million Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department budget that was in place during his term, emphasizing that those achievements were the result of “effective leadership” rather than chance.

What the vice‑presidency would entail

The National FOP represents nearly 400,000 law‑enforcement officers across the United States. As vice president, Snyder would work alongside the national president to advocate for officers and their families, focusing on labor, legal and legislative matters that affect the profession. He said the role would give him a larger platform to share his faith and support law‑enforcement values nationwide.

Continuing service to Indianapolis officers

Although he is leaving the lodge presidency, Snyder stressed that he is not abandoning Indianapolis. He will remain active as a special duty representative, continuing to address labor‑management issues and legislative initiatives at both the Indiana Statehouse and in Washington, D.C. He expressed confidence in his successor, Bobby Ferguson, a veteran with more than two decades of experience who has worked closely with Snyder on contracts and policy efforts.

Chaplaincy and faith

Snyder also fielded questions about his ongoing role as the National FOP chaplain, a position he has held for five years. He described the chaplaincy as “one of the greatest blessings of my professional life,” providing spiritual support to officers and their families across the country. National FOP President Patrick Yoes indicated that there is no anticipated change to the chaplain position before the upcoming election, though the final decision rests with the president.

Local reaction

When asked about the reception of his national candidacy, Snyder recalled a standing ovation from the audience, calling it “humbling and moving.” He framed the response as evidence of strong support from fellow officers who value his leadership and vision for the future of law‑enforcement advocacy.

Looking ahead

Snyder concluded by expressing hope that a national leadership role would allow him to expand his outreach, both in terms of policy influence and faith‑based support for officers. He reaffirmed his commitment to Indianapolis officers, promising to stay engaged on local labor and legislative matters while pursuing the broader mission of the National FOP.

Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.