Ridgefield Police Chief Cathy Doriot announces she'll retire
Ridgefield Police Chief Cathy Doriot announced earlier this month she will retire as soon as her successor is hired.
Doriot has worked for the Ridgefield Police Department since 1989. She rose through the ranks from officer to sergeant and lieutenant before being sworn in as chief in March 2023. She has agreed to stay on until Ridgefield hires her replacement to ensure a smooth transition, according to a news 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," Doriot said in the release. "I will forever treasure the relationships built and the opportunity to have given back to a place that means so much to me."
During her three years in the top job, Doriot led the growth of the police department by adding a detective, two sergeants and four officer positions, along with securing sustainable funding for public safety investments. She also spearheaded key safety technology advances, including the creation of a drone program and the use of body-worn and car-mounted cameras.
City Manager Steve Stuart praised Doriot's long tenure.
"There are very few people who have ever given as much as Chief Doriot has, serving Ridgefield's people and place," Stuart said. "We are so grateful for everything she's done for us and what she means to this organization and City."
Doriot's regional leadership included serving as chair for the Law Enforcement Council for Clark County. She also serves on the Police Activities League's board of directors.
She launched the local Pink Patch Project in 2018, which has partnered with local merchants for nine years to sell collectible pink police patches and donate the proceeds to the Pink Lemonade Project. The breast cancer awareness and fundraising effort started in Ridgefield and has since spread to nearly every law enforcement agency in Clark County.
In 2025, Doriot received the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce's Iris Award, recognizing remarkable women who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their communities.
Ridgefield Mayor Matt Cole recognized the challenge of replacing Doriot.
"Chief Doriot leaves huge boots to fill," Cole said in the release. "Her commitment to RPD and our community is unmatched and we appreciate all she's done."
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