Downey named interim police chief
Former Humboldt County sheriff Mike Downey made clear at Monday night’s Fortuna City Council meeting that he intends to stay retired, despite accepting a new job as the city’s interim police chief.
“But four to six months — I’m willing to do that!” Downey said. “I’ll give it 100% during the time that I’m here.”
The City Council unanimously approved Downey’s appointment. The 30-year law enforcement veteran had retired in 2017. He lives down the street from the city’s police department.
Downey told the council he had been on the way to a vacation in Hawaii when he received the city’s offer. He said the phone call came as a surprise, but he’s ready for the work.
“I’ve raised six children in the county and the city and have grandchildren here,” he said. “This is a good opportunity for me to give back to the city in some way.”
Outgoing police chief Bill Dobberstein delivered his routine report to the council. Dobberstein told his department in December he would retire after three decades of service to the city’s police force.
Downey’s tenure will last “up to six months,” with the expecta- tion that Fortuna officials secure a permanent replacement for Dobberstein
before then, city manager Merritt Perry told the council.
Perry praised Downey for agreeing to take the temporary post.
“The fact that he’s willing to step up and help us with this position is going to be a good move for the city and help us pave the way for the… next police chief,” Perry said.
Councilmember Mike Johnson gave the new interim chief his best wishes.
“With Bill retiring and his loss, it’s nice to see an experienced person in the community that’s able to step up and fill in while we look for the next chief,” Johnson said.