Ridgefield’s new police chief isn’t a stranger to the department or the city.
During a city council meeting on March 9, interim police chief Cathy Doriot was sworn in as the permanent head of the Ridgefield Police Department. Doriot has served in the interim capacity since October following the retirement of former chief John Brooks, who served at the department since late 2016.
Doriot was raised in Ridgefield and joined the city’s police department in 1989, stated a news release announcing her swearing in. She rose through the ranks to sergeant then lieutenant before taking on the interim role last year.
“She has seen some of the toughest times in Ridgefield,” City Manager Steve Stuart said ahead of Doriot taking the oath of office. “Ridgefield has grown from those and so has she.”
The Ridgefield council chambers were filled with family members and friends who knew Doriot long before she started her public service role at the city. Stuart said it’s clear she is the right choice for police chief.
“But she didn’t have it given to her. She went through the paces,” Stuart said.
Doriot underwent evaluations and a 360-degree review with stakeholders both in and outside of the department, the release stated.
“At every step … it became painfully clear that she is the right choice and she is the right person to help us grow as a community,” Stuart said.
Former chief Brooks attended the meeting virtually from Memphis to express how pleased he is to see his former lieutenant take on her new position.
“Ridgefield is so lucky to have a person of her talent and her abilities at the helm,” Brooks said.
Brooks said the fact Doriot is a longtime member of the community is “a huge bonus” for the department.
“Cathy worked her tail off and really showed that she … has what it takes to be the chief of police,” Brooks said.
After she was sworn in, Doriot commented on the packed council chambers, which was filled with those who supported her promotion.
“I think every aspect of my life is represented here today in some way or another,” Doriot said, referencing the crowd.
The new chief said it is a privilege to work for the Ridgefield community. She promised to do her best to uphold high standards and said she is fortunate to lead a department that cares deeply about the residents it serves.
“Every one of our officers is driven to work hard, and they take their responsibility to protect and serve very seriously,” Doriot said. “Our job is not an easy one, but we’re committed to doing what it takes to make sure our community remains a safe place for all.”
