News

The city of Fortuna announced today that Police Chief William Dobberstein will be retiring next month.

Dobberstein, who started with the city’s force in 1994, has been at the department’s helm since 2011.

According to a release, Dobberstein was “instrumental in the department adding a drug task force agent, school resource officer, two police detectives,” as well as increasing community policing efforts.

“Chief Dobberstein is grateful to the Fortuna City Council, members of the Fortuna Police Department and our community for the opportunity he has had to serve as a member of the Fortuna Police Department and the chief of police,” the release states.

His official retirement date is Jan. 17.

Read the announcement from the city of Fortuna below:

Fortuna Police Chief, William Dobberstein has served the members of our community and City of Fortuna honorably for over twenty five years. Chief Dobberstein started his law enforcement career with the City of Fortuna in 1994.

Throughout his career he worked as a Reserve Officer, Dispatcher, Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Police Sergeant, Police Lieutenant and in 2011 he became the Chief of Police for the Fortuna Police Department. As Chief of Police, he strived to increase resources and services. Chief Dobberstein was instrumental in the department adding a Drug Task Force Agent, School Resource Officer, two Police Detectives, increasing the Fortuna Police Department’s ability to serve.

Chief Dobberstein increased the department’s community policing efforts, working closely with department volunteers to engage and educate members of our community. Chief Dobberstein serves as a member of Rotary, VFW, the Fortuna Fireworks Committee and he has worked with many other service organizations over the years, serving and representing the Fortuna Police Department. As Chief of Police, Chief Dobberstein has served and represented our communities and department’s interests, as a member of the Executive Board of the California Police Chief’s Association, a member of the Executive Board of the Law Enforcement Chief’s Association of Humboldt and in many more executive leadership positions.

Chief Dobberstein is grateful to the Fortuna City Council, members of the Fortuna Police Department and our community for the opportunity he has had to serve as a member of the Fortuna Police Department and the Chief of Police. In speaking with Chief Dobberstein regarding his upcoming retirement he advised he is looking forward to retirement on January 17, 2020 and starting the next chapter of life. Chief Dobberstein will be missed and we are very grateful for his friendship and service. We ask that if you see Chief Dobberstein to please congratulate him on his upcoming retirement and thank him for his service.