DAYTON — Dayton’s Police Chief Richard Biehl has announced he will retire from the department in July.
“It has been my greatest honor,” Biehl said after the city made the announcement today at Dayton City Hall. Biehl thanked city leaders for their support and collaboration on many of the challenges the department has faced during Biehl’s tenure.
>> Defense begins case in ex-cop’s trial over Floyd’s death
“His steady and stellar leadership helped our organization and community,” said City Manager Shelly Dickstein. “He has worked with great intention developing a team and talent within his command staff.”
After more than 13 years of dedicated service , Chief Richard Biehl has announced his retirement for this July, "It has been the greatest honor in my professional career to serve as Police Chief for @cityofdayton & to work with the community to improve public safety." pic.twitter.com/1IFeXI6Nfq
— Dayton Police Dept. (@DaytonPolice) April 13, 2021
Lt. Col. Matt Carper will serve as interim chief following Biehl’s departure. Carper has been with the department for 29 years.
“He has served in numerous key roles in the department,” Dickstein said.
Carper also worked with the use of force reform group that was formed by the city last year.
A national search for Biehl’s replacement will begin next month and will include a national search firm and a local selection oversight committee, Dickstein said. The city also will ask for input from the community.
Biehl joined the department as chief in January 2008 after serving as the Executive Director of Cincinnati’s Community Police Partnering Center.
Biehl has led the department through several challenging events, including the Oregon District mass shooting and the Memorial Day tornadoes.
Biehl served nearly 25 years at the Cincinnati Police Department before coming to Dayton. With the department in Cincinnati he was appointed as the executive director of the community policing partnering center.
Biehl also has partnered with Trotwood Police and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to support a community initiative to combat gun violence.
Chief Biehl on his years in Dayton: "The enhanced safety of the Dayton community over the past decade is notable & a direct result of the efforts of community members & members of the Dayton Police Dept. working cooperatively toward this end."
— Dayton Police Dept. (@DaytonPolice) April 13, 2021
The chief also led the department through several technological advances including the beginning phases of implementing body cameras and introduction of ShotSpotter, which is a tool that detects gunfire in the city.
Cox Media Group
