After a policing career spanning 40 years — including the last eight as the city’s chief of police — Chief Lorne Blumhagen has officially retired.
Taking the helm is Jason Dobirstein, who returns to his hometown to serve as the new chief of police. The role is especially meaningful for Dobirstein, whose father served as interim police chief in 1995.
“I grew up in this policing family that had a big impact on my life,” Dobirstein said. “Many of those in this service were influential in the direction that I took in my career.”
Dobirstein brings more than 34 years of policing experience, most of which was spent in Lethbridge. His most recent role was as Inspector of the Criminal Investigation Division, where he led more than 100 officers in patrol and field operations.
Now in his first weeks as chief, Dobirstein is focused on meeting with staff and community members to gain insight into local needs and priorities. He emphasizes the importance of accountability, transparency, and strong internal and external communication.
“It’s very important that the community knows what is happening with the police service,” he said. “It’s all a big piece of being transparent.”
Dobirstein identified three key priorities for the department moving forward: community policing, crime management, and employee wellness and training.
Before officially taking over, Dobirstein had the opportunity to spend a few weeks with outgoing Chief Blumhagen, gaining insight into the administrative responsibilities that come with leading a smaller police organization.
It was one final act of mentorship from a chief who spent decades serving his community — passing a wealth of knowledge to the next generation of leadership.
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