It’s his own proficiency and experience that had police Chief Richard Biehl fighting to keep his second-in-command for two more years after Chabali’s retirement through the Deferred Retirement Option Program, or DROP, in February 2013. He pushed Dayton city commissioners to retain Chabali in order to stabilize the department’s leadership, which saw nine new appointments in two years. The delay allowed Dayton police’s majors to gain more experience, but with Chabali’s retirement, Biehl said he’s “losing both my arms.”
“If there was a mission to get done, he got it done. He was one of the most effective commanders I have ever worked with,” Biehl said.
Chabali started his career in 1978 working the streets as an officer with the department’s central patrol division. He spent the majority of his career, though, working for the west patrol division, and with the narcotics unit. He joined the SWAT team in 1988, and became commander of the team in 1991 until he was promoted to major of the east patrol division in 2011. During his time with SWAT, he focused on tactical training. In his seven years as chief, Biehl said the team hasn’t fired a single shot — proof of Chabali’s “flawless tactical execution,” which he says Chabali also instilled in his successors.
When Chabali joined the department, Dayton had 510 officers. Now, with just over 350, Chabali said police face new challenges. Namely, more juveniles responsible for violent crime. That, coupled with a pervasive negative perception of police in the wake of several high-profile shootings nationwide, Chabali said his biggest advise to the officers he leaves behind is to always be aware of the danger.
“Just (be aware) of their safety. Think about what you’re doing. Understand that there are people that may want to hurt you,” he said.
Even with his retirement, and the opportunity to spend more time with his family, Chabali said it will be difficult to take off his badge. He said he’ll still be looking for law enforcement opportunities locally, and maintains he spent his career working for one of the best police departments in the country.
“Dayton police department is about the top in what we’re doing using technology, working with our community, the way we handle violent incidents,” he said. “We’ll get through (the challenges) because the reality is, and I think society realizes that law enforcement does a great job on a daily basis and no matter what happens, when people are in trouble, when people need assistance, they can call the police department. And we’ll be there.”
Chabali’s last day with Dayton police is Thursday. Maj. Brian Johns will serve as interim assistant police chief until the department hires a permanent replacement from one of its internal candidates, Biehl said.
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