The Town of Ashland is pleased to announce that Major Troy Aronhalt, Deputy Chief, has accepted an offer from Town Manager Josh Farrar to become the Ashland Police Department’s next Chief of Police.
“Given that fostering community relationships and building an agency of integrity has been a cornerstone of Chief Goodman’s leadership, I couldn’t be prouder that his successor and Ashland Police Department’s next leader comes from within the agency’s own ranks,” said Mr. Farrar. “This Town and the officers of APD will be in excellent hands under the capable leadership of Major Aronhalt."
“Serving under Chief Goodman and working within this community for the last 24 years means a great deal to me personally and professionally,” Major Aronhalt said. “I am honored to serve as Ashland’s next Chief of Police and look forward to continuing and expanding our focus on community-oriented policing and upholding the highest levels of professionalism at all times.”
Major Aronhalt joined the Ashland Police Department on January 2, 1998, as a Patrol Officer and proceeded to rise through the ranks, achieving the rank of Major and being named Deputy Chief in 2021. Over the course of his more than two-decade tenure with the agency, Major Aronhalt supervised the Patrol, Special Operations, and Investigations Divisions, among other duties, and received numerous awards and commendations, including Excellent Police Duty, the Harry V. Smeeman Leadership Award, and Officer of the Year in 2001 and 2006. Major Aronhalt holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University (1997), a Graduate Certificate in Administration from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy (2008), Professional Executive Leadership School (2014), and is currently enrolled in the leadership program at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at the University of Virginia (Fall 2022 anticipated).
Chief Doug Goodman, whose last day with the Ashland Police Department is Friday, April 22nd, announced his retirement in January 2022 after more than 14 years of service with the Town. Shortly after Chief Goodman’s announcement, Mr. Farrar initiated a search process for Ashland’s next Chief of Police, which included input from the community as well as the formation of a hiring advisory committee.
"Major Aronhalt is fully prepared for this position thanks to his excellent succession training, impeccable references, and experience as the current Deputy Chief,” said Joyce Smith, Member of the Town Manager’s Hiring Advisory Committee and the APD Citizens Advisory Board. “As a long-time Town resident, he is totally invested in the community. He cares about us, not only as Chief of Police but as a neighbor as well."
“Major Aronhalt’s appointment ensures a seamless leadership transition for this community and the agency,” Mr. Farrar added. “I am honored that he has chosen to continue serving this town and every member of this community. I have no doubt he will lead with honor, courage, and respect for all.”
Operationally, Major Aronhalt will take over as Chief this Friday, April 22nd as Chief Goodman departs for retirement. An official swearing-in will take place at the Ashland Town Council Meeting on May 3rd, 2022 at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at Town Hall (121 Thompson Street), and interested members of the public are welcome to attend or may watch via livestream online and on Comcast Channel 17.