Strong Leadership, Fairness & Respect
Ridgefield’s Democratic team brings legal expertise, ethical leadership, and a shared commitment to community trust. With decades of combined experience in law and public service, we are dedicated to strengthening the relationship between Ridgefield’s police and residents. Our focus on accountability, transparency, and compassion ensures that public safety in Ridgefield is built on both fairness and respect.
Our Priorities
Community-Centered Policing & Trust Building
- Enhanced Engagement: Strengthen relationships through programs like Coffee with a Cop, citizen academies, and neighborhood watch partnerships to foster open dialogue and mutual trust.
- Youth & Schools: Expand officer involvement in schools and youth organizations to build positive relationships early and promote safety education.
- Support for Seniors: Prioritize the safety of older residents by addressing both physical and online security concerns.
- Traffic Safety: Tackle speeding and hazardous intersections through data-driven enforcement and community input.
- Cultural Competency: Champion ongoing officer training in de-escalation, cultural awareness, and inclusivity to ensure respectful, unbiased interactions with all residents.
Accountability & Protection of Rights
- Oversight & Best Practices: Provide strong, transparent oversight of department policies, ensuring alignment with community values.
- Clear Complaint Process: Maintain public trust by upholding a fair, accessible process for addressing citizen concerns.
- Data Transparency: Regularly collect and share policing data (traffic stops, incidents, outcomes) to guide strategies and ensure equitable treatment.
Fiscal Responsibility & Strategic Resources
- Prudent Spending: Manage the department’s budget responsibly, focusing on investments that improve safety and community well-being.
- Collaboration: Work with the Chief of Police, Board of Selectpersons, and town departments for coordinated public safety solutions and efficient resource sharing.
Modern Policing & Officer Support
- Training & Development: Invest in advanced training; de-escalation, crisis intervention, mental health first aid, and responsible use of force, so officers can respond with skill and compassion.
- Smart Technology: Support tools like body and dash cameras to enhance effectiveness while safeguarding resident privacy.
- Facilities & Resources: Promote support for the proposed Public Safety Building to increase operational efficiency and enhance the health, safety, and wellness of our first responders.
- Officer Wellness: Ensure mental and physical health support programs so officers can best serve the community.
Meet the Candidates
Sharon Wicks Dornfeld
Incumbent
Stephen Riebling
Sharon Dornfeld
As Chair of the Police Commission, Sharon has earned a reputation as a fair and principled leader. With four decades as a child advocacy attorney, she brings both legal expertise and compassion to her role, ensuring decisions reflect the highest ethical standards. A 40-year Ridgefield resident and longtime public servant, Sharon’s leadership is grounded in her deep dedication to protecting and strengthening the community she has long called home.
Stephen Riebling
As a criminal defense and family law attorney, Stephen offers a fresh perspective to the Police Commission, balancing practical experience with deep respect for the law. He prioritizes community engagement, from strengthening school partnerships to supporting seniors, and advocates for data-driven accountability and transparency to build trust between the police and the public. A 21-year Ridgefield resident who raised his family here, Stephen is committed to ensuring safety and trust for all residents.