John Brooks, the police chief of Ridgefield, recently announced he will retire from the city’s police department effective Oct. 3.
Brooks has served as Ridgefied’s chief of police since October of 2016. Prior to that, he spent 26 years with the Portland Police Bureau, stated a news release.
While in Ridgefield, Brooks led the police department as it nearly doubled its force and recruited and retained high-quality personnel, stated the release. He also led the creation of key safety initiatives, like Neighbors on Watch. The community volunteer program trains residents to be “the eyes and ears for safety in their communities,” stated the release. The program started in 2018 with six volunteers and has grown to 36 active members.
“Police work is a people business with success being measured by how you were able to help,” Brooks stated in the release. “I’ve truly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to help the people here in Ridgefield.”
Brooks will head to Memphis with his family to become the head of security for a naval base in Western Tennessee.
“Chief Brooks embodies and has created a culture of compassionate, quality service that is carried forward by his department and our entire organization,” stated City Manager Steve Stuart in the release.
Mayor Jennifer Lindsay added, “We are so grateful for his service to our great community that he has helped make even better.”
Ridgefield Lieutenant Cathy Doriot will serve as the interim police chief, stated the release. Doriot, who is a Ridgefield native, has worked at the Ridgefield Police Department since 1989.
