Ridgefield Police Chief John Brooks retiring

Ridgefield Police Chief John Brooks announced he’s retiring Oct. 3 and headed to Memphis.

Brooks has helmed the Ridgefield department since 2016 after working at the Portland Police Bureau for 26 years, according to a city news release. Under his leadership, the agency nearly doubled its number of officers and implemented new safety initiatives, such as the Neighbors on Watch program. That program began in 2018 with six volunteers, and has since grown to 36 members.

“Police work is a people business, with success being measured by how you were able to help,” Brooks said in the news release. “I’ve truly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to help the people here in Ridgefield.”

Brooks and his family will be moving to Tennessee, where he will become head of security for a naval base, according to the news release.

Lt. Cathy Doriot will take over as interim chief upon Brooks’ retirement until a new chief is hired. Doriot has been with Ridgefield police since 1989, the city said.

“Chief Brooks embodies and has created a culture of compassionate, quality service that is carried forward by his department and our entire organization,” City Manager Steve Stuart said in the news release.

Stuart said city leadership has not yet finalized their process or timeline for finding a new chief, but they’ll know more in October.

“We are so grateful for his service to our great community that he has helped make even better,” Mayor Jennifer Lindsay said.