Former Sheriff Mike Downey named interim Fortuna Police Chief

FORTUNA, Ca (KIEM)- Former Humboldt County Sheriff Mike Downey is coming out of retirement to serve as the interim Fortuna police chief.

The Fortuna City Council Monday night voted unanimously to appoint Dowey to lead the police force in the Friendly City.  He replaces longtime Chief Bill Dobberstein, who announced his retirement in December after three decades on the force.

Downey is a Fortuna resident and has 30 years of experience in law enforcement. His contract is for up to six months while the city finds the next police chief.