“New Chief, New Direction: Curt Dorsey’s First Two Months Leading Ashland Police Division”
ASHLAND, Ohio — Just two months into his new role, Ashland Police Division Chief Curt Dorsey says the transition from longtime Detective to department leader has been both surreal and rewarding, as he begins shaping the future of policing in the city.
After nearly two decades with the department, and more than 20 years total in law enforcement, Dorsey admitted the title still takes some getting used to.
“I’ve also never been big on titles, and it’s definitely weird hearing ‘Chief Dorsey,’” he said. “I spent so many years as a lieutenant, it still catches me off guard.”
Dorsey’s path to chief wasn’t always part of the plan. Coming from a family with deep law enforcement roots, his father previously served as a police chief in Greenwich, Dorsey initially set his sights on investigative work.
“My career was geared toward investigation. That’s what I loved,” he explained. “But people I respect encouraged me to pursue leadership, and that’s when becoming chief became a possibility.”
His first week on the job, working alongside former Chief David Lay, was overwhelming.
“I took in information through a fire hose,” Dorsey said. “It was a lot to process, but I’m proud to be here serving the community.”
Mayor Matt Miller said he is very pleased with Dorsey’s first two months as Chief.
“Chief Dorsey is off to a great start—and I look forward to working alongside him and our officers to make sure our great city remains a safe community,” said Mayor Matt Miller. “Chief Dorsey has a good disposition and a humble demeanor that I believe will help him lead our police agency to excellence. He not only cares about our people who call Ashland home, but he also cares about our officers who serve us everyday 24/7, 365 days a year.”
In his first two months, Dorsey has already implemented some changes, though he describes them as modest.
One of the most notable updates the new chief has made is placing a greater emphasis on the officers’ physical and mental health.
“These officers have families and busy schedules,” he said. “If we can support their health and reduce stress, that benefits everyone, including the community.”
The department is also preparing to transition from .40 caliber Glock handguns to 9mm Walther firearms, spearheading that project is Lieutenant Jerry Bloodhart a move Dorsey said aligns Ashland with broader law enforcement trends.
“We want to be consistent with other agencies,” he said. “If we ever need to work together, it’s important we’re on the same page.”
The new weapons are expected to arrive around May, followed by required training and certification.
On the vehicle side, Dorsey credited Police Captain Craig Kiley with department leadership for maintaining a healthy fleet, with average cruiser mileage around 55,000 to 60,000 miles. However, supply issues, particularly with Ford Explorers, continue to present challenges.
New Initiatives: Bike Patrol, Range Improvements, SWAT Expansion
Looking ahead, Dorsey is introducing several initiatives aimed at improving both operations and community engagement.
Among them:
Bike Patrol Program: Officers will soon be deployed on e-bikes, allowing for quicker response times in crowded areas like downtown events and improving officer accessibility to the public.
Another project spearheaded by Lieutenant Bloodhart are the Firing Range Improvements: Planned upgrades include enhanced berms and side barriers to improve safety and allow for more realistic training scenarios.
SWAT Team Expansion: Tryouts are expected in May to add personnel and strengthen preparedness for high-risk situations.
“In today’s world, you can’t be too prepared,” Dorsey said. “We train for the worst and hope it never happens.”
Dorsey emphasized a leadership philosophy rooted in humility and service.
“We’re going to lead with a servant mindset,” he said, “As a leadership staff, we take care of our officers first, our needs come after theirs.”
He said one of the most rewarding parts of his first two months has been meeting with officers and staff, gathering feedback, and building a shared vision for the department.
Dorsey also praised collaboration across city leadership, including working with Matt Miller and other department heads.
“The leadership in this city is outstanding,” he said. “It’s been great to see how all the departments work together to serve Ashland.”
As he continues settling into the role, Dorsey is encouraging residents to share input.
“If there’s something we can do better, we want to hear it,” he said. “We serve this community, and our goal is to do that to the best of our ability.”
Residents can contact the chief via email dorsey.curt@ashland-ohio.com for non-emergency matters, while urgent issues should still go through dispatch.
With early changes already underway and more initiatives on the horizon, Dorsey’s first months signal a focus on modernization, officer wellness, and community connection, setting the tone for the next chapter of policing in Ashland.
