Service, Sacrifice, and a Badge Handed Down: Curt Dorsey Takes Oath as Chief
ASHLAND, OH — In a ceremony filled with gratitude, pride, and a powerful passing of the torch, Mayor Matt Miller formally swore in Curt Dorsey as Ashland’s new Chief of Police Friday, while also honoring the retirement of Dave Lay after more than 30 years of service to the community.
Surrounded by family, fellow officers, detectives, city leaders, and community supporters, the event opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before shifting into a two-part moment: saying farewell to a longtime chief — and welcoming the next.
“We kind of have a twofold ceremony,” Mayor Miller told the crowd, noting the city has struggled to confirm exactly how many police chiefs have served Ashland through its history. Miller said he is honored to serve as Ashland’s 54th mayor, and that one of the key responsibilities assigned to the mayor under the city charter is appointing the police chief — a role he described as “at the core of everything we do” in maintaining a safe and peaceful community.
Honoring Chief Lay’s final day
Mayor Miller recognized Friday as Chief Lay’s official last day, drawing smiles from the crowd as he joked that Lay didn’t look “too sad,” and noting Lay had even stepped away from his retirement party to attend the ceremony.
Miller shared that Lay was not originally his first pick at the time of Lay’s appointment, but said their working relationship became a strong one and that Lay consistently worked to serve both the department and the community.
“I could see every day he was trying to be everything he could be… not just for the guys and the ladies that work in the agency, but for this community,” Miller said, adding that Lay will be missed and that his leadership helped maintain fairness and order during tense moments that arose nationwide during protest-era challenges.
Melanie Miller also recognized Lay’s career on behalf of the state, praising his professionalism and attention to detail.
“He wants everything perfect and… everything to be excellent,” she said, crediting his leadership for strengthening the department’s standards.
In brief remarks, Lay thanked officers, colleagues, and his family.
“I’m grateful for the relationships that I’ve built, the support of my family… You have a bright future. Keep up the good work,” Lay said.
Thirteen applicants — and a new chief selected
Mayor Miller said the selection process drew 13 applicants, including four internal candidates — all of whom, he said, could have led the agency well. Ultimately, Miller said the deciding factor centered on leadership character and community trust.
He described what he believes every uniformed officer represents in a city like Ashland: leadership on display every day.
“People will always be watching you… how you handle situations… how you speak to people,” Miller said. “We want people that are honest and trustworthy… that will treat others with dignity and respect… and someone who has the knowledge and experience to get the job done.”
With that, Miller invited Detective Lt. Curt Dorsey forward with his family to take the oath of office.
Dorsey swore to support the constitutions of the United States and Ohio, and to “faithfully and impartially” perform the duties of Chief of Police for the City of Ashland. The mayor then presented the official appointment letter, and the room welcomed Dorsey into the role.
Dorsey: “A real moment” — and an emotional family legacy
After the oath, Dorsey stepped to the microphone and delivered an emotional message, thanking his family for supporting a career that demanded time and sacrifice. He also thanked mentors and fellow officers who shaped his path.
“No pressure, right?” Dorsey jested— but Dorsey’s tone reflected both the weight of the job and the gratitude he carried into it.
Dorsey spoke of aiming to lead with “respect and humility,” and promised the community that he and his command staff would work to keep Ashland a safe place.
Then came one of the most moving moments of the afternoon.
Dorsey’s father — a retired chief from the Greenwich Police Department — stepped forward and pinned a badge on his son, reading a message he said he had memorized but chose to read to ensure he didn’t forget.
“Remember, true leadership isn’t in the title, but in the lives you touch and the justice you uphold,” he read, telling the room he was proud of every police officer present, calling law enforcement “a tough profession right now,” and urging them to “keep your heads up.”
With emotion overtaking his voice at points, the elder Dorsey then presented his own retired chief’s badge to his son, symbolically handing down the torch to the next generation. He told the crowd the badge was engraved “Chief Dorsey to Chief Dorsey — passing on the torch.”
In a lighter note earlier in the ceremony, Mayor Miller shared a detail about the interview process: Dorsey wore a suit to his chief interview — not his own, but one dropped off by his father from his own time as chief, hung on Dorsey’s door so he could wear it for the occasion.
Support from partners across Ashland County
Following the ceremony, several local law-enforcement and justice leaders praised Dorsey and honored Lay’s retirement.
Ashland County Prosecutor Christopher R. Tunnell highlighted Dorsey’s investigative experience and professionalism, saying he has worked closely with Dorsey on “numerous complex and high-profile cases” and calling the promotion “exceptionally well-deserved.”
“Ashland is gaining a Chief who understands the importance of collaboration, accountability, and service to the community,” Tunnell said. “He will lead the Ashland Police Division with integrity and experience.”
Staff Lt. Bradley R. Bishop of the Ohio State Highway Patrol called it “a great day for the Ashland Police Department,” adding:
“Chief Dorsey is an excellent officer, leader, and friend. I know he will do great in his new role as chief. Chief Dave Lay celebrated his last day after 30 plus years of service to this community and I wish him the best in his retirement… a shared goal of keeping our community safe.”
OSHP Ashland Post Lt. Brian J. Beal also praised the transition and the profession itself.
“Being a police officer is a demanding yet rewarding job,” Beal said. “I am sure he will continue where retired Chief Lay left off by leading the Ashland Police Department with strength, compassion and positivity.”
Ashland County Sheriff Kurt J. Schneider also praised the newly sworn-in chief, emphasizing the broader role the city police division plays beyond city limits.
“I’m very happy for Chief Dorsey,” Sheriff Schneider said. “He has big shoes to fill and I’m confident he’ll rise to the challenge and be very successful. The city police division doesn’t just serve city residents — it serves all people who travel here, and Chief Dorsey’s leadership will certainly reflect that mission. I’m very proud of him and excited to continue working closely with him and his entire staff.”
At the close of the ceremony, city police officers were invited to gather for a group photo — a fitting end to a day that honored one era of service and officially launched the next.
