close

McDonald police chief retires after more than 40 years with department

5 min read

Mark Dorsey was with his future wife at a coin laundry in McDonald more than four decades ago when he spotted a notice the borough police department was hiring officers.

Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter

McDonald police Chief Mark Dorsey is surprised by friends, family and colleagues as he walks into a surprise party for his retirement after 41 years of service.

“I thought, ‘That sounds interesting’ and that I might like to do that,” said Dorsey, who initially had gone to school to study music. “Little did I know that is what I would be doing for the rest of my working life.”

Dorsey, a graduate of Washington High School, was hired as a part-time officer in July 1977. Once hired, he was sent to the Allegheny County Police Academy for training. While current officers are trained when hired, Dorsey said back when he got the job it was up to the municipality to send the new officer for training.

He eventually became a full-time officer and was promoted to sergeant in the mid-1980s before being named chief Jan. 1, 1986. The 62-year-old worked his last shift June 29, with his retirement becoming official July 31.

He said that for all but about a year, he has spent his career with the department. Dorsey also worked part time in Houston, and Cecil and Mt. Pleasant townships. During his career at McDonald, Dorsey worked under several chiefs, starting with Andrew Shier. He eventually succeeded Bruce Barnhart.

Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter

McDonald police Chief Mark Dorsey is hugged by his granddaughter, Avrey Rado, 9, as he walks into a surprise retirement party held in his honor.

Dorsey grew up in Washington. He met his wife, Hickory native Debbie Engel, in 1976. The couple recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

While he did not grow up in the McDonald area, Dorsey said he has grown to love the community.

“I’ve always been treated so well. The people here are so warm and welcoming,” Dorsey said. “This department has become like my home way from home. It has been a good run with a lot of memories. I have met so many people from different walks of life.”

Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter

State Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-Cecil, presents a proclamation to McDonald police Chief Mark Dorsey for his 41 years of service as a police officer.

Under Dorsey’s guidance, the department has expanded its coverage area. The department started patrolling Robinson Township 22 years ago. Midway, Burgettstown, West Middletown and Independence Township have since been added to the coverage area after officials from those communities contacted McDonald officials.

Dorsey said he has been blessed with wonderful officers. There are currently 15 officers on the force, of which five are full time.

“We are known for having good officers,” Dorsey said, adding that many of the part-time officers have gone on to find full-time jobs in other departments.

When Dorsey started, reports were typed on a manual typewriter before the department upgraded to an electric model. Now the department has a state-of-the-art reporting system and computers.

“We had used RCA radios and were dispatched by Carnegie’s dispatch,” Dorsey said. “To see the way things have evolved now, there have been profound changes, to say the least.”

Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter

McDonald police Chief Mark Dorsey holds up a retirement badge presented to him by acting Mayor Jim Frazier.

Throughout the years, Dorsey said it has always been a challenge to find money for equipment, from computers to cruisers, as well as making sure there was money in the budget for training for the officers.

“We make sure we keep up with the laws and that we don’t have any liability issues,” Dorsey said. “We are pretty strict with report writing, making sure procedures are properly followed.”

Dorsey said the district attorney’s office has always been helpful if an officer has had questions about what charges should be filed in a case. He said he has worked closely with current District Attorney Gene Vittone, as well as his predecessor, Steve Toprani.

“I also have been blessed with such a good council and mayors over the years,” Dorsey said, adding he served under seven mayors. “They always supported the department and were a part of the success this department has enjoyed.”

And Dorsey appreciated the support he got in 1992 after he shot and killed a man suspected of robbing a McDonald pharmacy. The man who was shot was one of three involved in the robbery. The robbers split up and fled in separate vehicles.

Dorsey chased one of the vehicles into North Fayette Township. Dorsey had gotten out of his vehicle when the robber tried to run him over before getting out and trying to shoot the chief. That’s when Dorsey returned fire. The other two robbers were taken into custody by North Fayette police after crashing. One admitted to their involvement in several area robberies, and both were later convicted.

Marilou Ritchie, the council president who has served on the board for many years, said while she did not always see eye to eye with the chief, he earned her respect.

“And when it was over, we could laugh,” Ritchie said. “He is well respected in the county and has been a source of pride for the borough.

“He has served this community well,” she added. “I wish him and Debbie all the best.”

Council named Sgt. Dennis Ahlborn as Dorsey’s successor at a meeting last week. He will begin his duties as chief Aug. 1. Ahlborn started working as a part-time officer in September 2001 before becoming full time in 2007. He was promoted to sergeant in October 2008.

“I am looking forward to the challenge, but I know I have some big shoes to fill,” Ahlborn said. “Chief Dorsey was a good teacher. He really showed me the ropes.”

Ritchie believes it will be a smooth transition.

Dorsey plans to continue working as the zoning and code enforcement officer in Robinson and code enforcement officer in Independence. He also will be spending more time with his wife and family.

“We’ll do some traveling and just enjoy ourselves and stress-free living,” Dorsey said. “I know she has a long honey-do list for me.

“But I am sure I will miss this place.”

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today