To assure a smooth transition, Chief Doriot has agreed to continue serving the city until a new police chief is hired

RIDGEFIELD – After growing up in Ridgefield and serving residents for more than 37 years as an officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and the past three years as police chief, Cathy Doriot has announced her retirement from the Ridgefield Police Department.

To assure a smooth transition, Chief Doriot has agreed to continue serving the city until a new police chief is hired. That process will begin immediately and will include broad input and involvement from law enforcement, stakeholders, and the community.

Since being sworn in as chief by the City Council in March 2023, Chief Doriot has advocated and led the growth of Ridgefield’s police department, adding a detective, two additional sergeants, four officer positions, and sustainable funding streams to assure continued public safety investments moving forward.

She’s also spearheaded key safety advances including creation of a drone program, and the use of bodyworn and car-mounted cameras.

In addition to all she’s done for Ridgefield, Chief Doriot has been a regional leader. In 2018, Chief Doriot launched a local Pink Patch Project, to increase public awareness about breast cancer and raise funds for research and support services. For the past nine years, Chief Doriot and the Ridgefield Police Department have worked with local merchants to sell collectible pink police patches and donated proceeds to the Pink Lemonade Project. What began as a Ridgefield project has since spread across Clark County, with almost every law enforcement agency now participating.

Chief Doriot also served as the chair for the Law Enforcement Council for Clark County, serves on the Board of Directors for the Police Activities League, and is active working with Kindness 911. In 2025, Chief Doriot received the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce’s Iris Award, recognizing remarkable women who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their industries and communities.

“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. “We are so grateful for everything she’s done for us and what she means to this organization and city.”

“I am deeply grateful for the trust the community has placed in me over nearly four decades of service. 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,” shared Chief Doriot.

“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.

Information provided by the city of Ridgefield.