SOPHIA BALES Staff Writer Richmond City Council members acknowledged Richmond Police Department (RPD) Officer Derek Gardner for his efforts with the “STOP STICK” last month. Gardner overheard radio traffic advising that the Ray County Sheriff’s Department was pursuing a dark sedan toward the north city limits of Richmond at speeds exceeding 130 mph, according to the RPD Facebook page. Gardner was able to position himself near the intersection of Spartan Drive and Thornton, where he was able to successfully deploy spike strips. “Does everyone know what this is?” asked Mayor Mike Wright as he held up a red and white STOP STICK. “A couple weeks ago, city police officers assisted county deputies in a pursuit, and Gardner deployed the STOP STICKs. The vehicle in pursuit was going 140 mph on Hwy 13 through town around 5 a.m,” said Wright. “We got really good cooperation between the city police and the deputies. They were able to get the vehicle stopped, and the suspect did flee.” RPD…