Lacombe Chief of Police Lorne Blumhagen, who has announced his retirement from the position. (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

EFFECTIVE JUNE 1

Lacombe Police Commission announces chief retirement, appoints replacement

Feb 19, 2025 | 4:37 PM

The Lacombe Police Commission has appointed a new Chief of Police, Jason Dobirstein, who will step into the role on June 1.

The appointment follows a retirement announcement by long-standing Chief of Police Lorne Blumhagen, who the Commission says has made significant contributions to public safety and building community trust.

Dobirstein is a law enforcement executive with more than 30 years of experience in policing, strategic leadership and community safety management, and was born in Lacombe, says the Commission.

He joins the Lacombe Police Service from the Lethbridge Police Service, where he currently serves as an inspector in the Criminal Investigations division. He has also previously worked as an inspector of the Field Operations and Support Services divisions.

“We are confident that Jason Dobirstein’s leadership will continue to enhance public safety, foster community trust, and uphold the values of respect, accountability, honesty, and integrity that define our policing service,” says the Commission in the announcement.

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Blumhagen has served the Lacombe Police Service since 2014, and the Commission extends its deepest gratitudes to him for his work over the years. He first served as an inspector before becoming chief.

“His dedication, outstanding service, and leadership have had a lasting impact on the community, and we thank him for his years of commitment to public safety,” the Commission says. “Please join us in congratulating Chief Lorne Blumhagen on his well-earned retirement and in welcoming Chief Jason Dobirstein to his new role.”