But since September 2014, Doty has been the chief of the Fort Dodge Police Department.

Today, nearly three and half years later, is Doty’s last day in the position as he prepares to retire.

“It’s been good,” he said as he reflected on his tenure. “I’ve enjoyed being chief.”

Doty, who became chief following the resignation of former Chief Tim Carmody, has seen the department grow.

“I think we’ve continued to move the department in a positive direction in a lot of the things that we’ve done,” he said recently.

But Doty is quick to say that’s not solely due to him.

“It’s the team. This is a team effort here, and has been for some time. So I think I feel good that it’s been positive and it’s going to be good going forward with the team that’s coming into place.”

During his tenure as chief of the Fort Dodge Police Department it has greatly expanded its presence on social media. The department has official Facebook and Instagram pages.

“I think that’s definitely new territory for law enforcement, and definitely for us, and that’s been good,” he said.

Doty talked about the increased leadership opportunities for officers.

A number of them, including incoming Police Chief Roger Porter, the department’s assistant chief, have completed leadership training with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Officers are also increasing their education in other ways.

“When you look at the officers we have that are either finished up or in the process of getting their four-year degree or two-year degree, I think that says something about where we’ve come from,” Doty said. “And I think that’s a good thing.”

He’s also proud of the community outreach the department has done during his tenure.

Included in those are public safety picnics held in Fort Dodge’s parks and the Do the Right Thing project, where officers pull over random drivers who are buckled up and give them $20.

Doty is also happy to see the department’s K9 program get started.

“That wasn’t my idea to bring that back, but it was presented,” he said. “It’s been positive. We’ve had a few hiccups in the road, but overall we’re now where we want to be.”

When Doty was asked what stands out during his tenure, he said it’s actually been the succession plan the department put in for his retirement.

“I’m part of a mid-sized chief’s group and I explained to them what we were doing as far as succession planning,” Doty said. “Most of the chiefs were like, ‘wow, that’s kind of a different way.'”

Doty announced his retirement late last year. Porter was named the new chief in the spring, though his first day as chief isn’t until Monday.

“In talking with some of the other chiefs that have taken over the role of chief, they said what you guys are doing is really ahead of the game,” Doty said.

Some of the chiefs he’s talked to said they were basically just told “here it is,” and put in charge without much training.

“They said they would have appreciated having something in place,” he said.

He said part of why the transition has been going well is because Porter already works for the department.

Doty is retiring as chief, but he’s not fully retiring from the department. Once Porter takes over, Doty will take on the title of chief emeritus until his full retirement in December.

“I see it as leading the transition and helping the new team take over their roles,” Doty said. “I see some special projects that we want to get accomplished, that I can help with those.”

Doty offered some advice to Porter as he prepares to take over.

“Just listen to the community. Listen to your officers. And he does that now,” Doty said. “And be engaged at several different levels.”

He also said Porter should know that, as the police chief, he’s “going to be moving in other directions as far as involvement in the community. And just be aware that that’s going to happen at maybe a higher pace than it is right now.”

Doty said he has enjoyed his time with the department.

“I’ve appreciated the opportunity to serve the city and the citizens in this capacity,” Doty said. “Fort Dodge is a great place, no doubt about it. Good community. Good people.”

“I appreciate the support of the citizens and the businesses and community leaders in the city,” he added. “It’s not just taken for granted. It’s very much appreciated.”