The city of Ridgefield has announced the retirement of Police Chief Cathy Doriot following more than 37 years of service to the community.
Doriot, who has served as chief for the past three years, will remain in her role until a successor is selected to ensure a smooth leadership transition, the city stated in a news release. The city also stated that it will immediately begin a search for a new police chief, with plans to incorporate input from law enforcement partners, local stakeholders and the community throughout the process.
As a Ridgefield native, Doriot has served the Ridgefield Police Department in multiple roles, including officer, sergeant, lieutenant and chief. Since being sworn in as chief by the Ridgefield City Council in March 2023, she has led efforts to expand and strengthen the department, the release stated. Under her leadership, the agency added a detective, two sergeants and four officer positions, while also establishing sustainable funding streams to support long-term public safety investments.
Doriot also implemented several advancements aimed at improving public safety and transparency, including the creation of a drone program and the expanded use of body-worn and in-car cameras, the release added.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust the community has placed in me over nearly four decades of service,” Doriot shared in the release. “Ridgefield has been and will continue to be my home, and it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people here. I will forever treasure the relationships built and the opportunity to have given back to a place that means so much to me.”
Beyond Ridgefield, Doriot has been recognized as a regional leader. In 2018, she launched a local Pink Patch Project to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support services. Through partnerships with local businesses, the Ridgefield Police Department has raised funds for the Pink Lemonade Project, with the initiative growing to include nearly every law enforcement agency across Clark County, the release states.
“There are very few people who have ever given as much as Chief Doriot has, serving Ridgefield’s people and place,” said City Manager Steve Stuart, in the release. “We are so grateful for everything she’s done for us and what she means to this organization and City.”
Doriot has also served as chair of the Clark County Law Enforcement Council, sits on the board of the Police Activities League, and works closely with Kindness 911. In 2025, she received the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Iris Award, recognizing women for outstanding leadership and community impact.
“Chief Doriot leaves huge boots to fill. Her commitment to RPD and our community is unmatched and we appreciate all she’s done. Even as she retires, we look forward to seeing her around town and thanking her for her service,” added Mayor Matt Cole, in the release.
