It was standing room only at the Mansfield Police Department’s Hutchison Classroom on Monday afternoon where family, friends and coworkers gathered to honor Patrol Officers Nelson Kilgore Jr. and Stacie Garrick as they were promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Chief of Police Kenneth Coontz explained that the promotions of Kilgore and Garrick represent the Mansfield Police Department and Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker’s rebuilding efforts.
“We are strengthening our force, we’re glad to have been able to bring on some new officers, and we’re very proud to be able to continue to promote within our own department,” said Coontz. “We expect a lot of good things from both of these officers.”
After reciting their oath of office, facilitated by Safety Service Director Lori Cope, Kilgore and Garrick received their new badges pinned to them by family members. Coontz noted as veteran officers, both new sergeants understand well the workings of the police department and the “community policing” concept.
“From the community standpoint, the relations between the citizens and officers are extremely important, and they understand we have to be out in the community. We have to keep up our programs with youth and keep those programs going strong,” said Coontz. “I’m very proud to promote these two today.”
After 13 years with the Mansfield Police Department, Garrick said she is looking forward to more responsibility and tackling difficult decisions.
“I will be supervising patrolmen now, and I will be there to answer questions if they need anything, assist them with things that are necessary, making supervisory decisions – things you don’t have to do as a patrolman,” she said. “I think change is good, I think it’s a positive thing to evolve as an officer so you don’t become stagnant.”
Kilgore brings 18 years of experience in law enforcement to the table, nine of those years with the Mansfield Police Department.
“My job now is going to change because all the guys I used to be equal to I’m now going to be a supervisor to,” he said. “The responsibilities are going to be a little different and I’m excited to press forward.”
“We are strengthening our force, we’re glad to have been able to bring on some new officers, and we’re very proud to be able to continue to promote within our own department,” said Chief Ken Coontz.
