MANSFIELD, Ohio — The Mansfield Police Department has announced its major awards for 2015, according to chief Ken Coontz.
The honors were presented on Saturday night. Listed below are the names of the honorees, and comments from the department explaining their achievements.
Co-Officer of the Year: Nicole Gearhart
“This officer was nominated by her supervisors. She is known for her outstanding work ethic and reliability. She consistently demonstrates an excellent attitude towards the public and co-workers. She is always willing to help someone in need and complete whatever task that is assigned. Her shift activity consistently ranks at the top of her peers which highlights her commitment to the department and the community.
“This officer is currently assigned to day watch patrol and serves as a field training officer. She has been with the Mansfield Division of Police for seven years. During 2015 she has upheld our core values of Honesty, Integrity, Professionalism, Respect and Self Discipline. She is an immense asset to the Mansfield Police Department.”
Co- Officer of the Year: Ryan Garner
“This officer was nominated by his supervisors. He is known for his work ethic and dedication to being fit for duty. He has received advanced training in self-defense and firearms during his years as a former SWAT member. He is respected by the members of the department and well-liked by the community.
“This officer has shown commitment to his department and his community during his 8 ½ years as a Mansfield Police Officer. He is currently a Police K-9 handler. He has dedicated many hours of training, on his own time, to have his K-9 partner certified and prepared for street duty. This officer has attended numerous public appearances at our local schools to teach children what it means to be a police officer and a dedicated K-9 handler. He has displayed the core values of this department and the community.”
Supervisor of the Year: Lt. Rob Skropits
“This supervisor has instilled a sense of professionalism into his Section by adhering to the standards set through Division policy. Over the past year, this supervisor has been tasked with overseeing numerous high-profile cases which include two homicides, two officer-involved critical incidents, and numerous other high-profile felony cases such as the serial bank robbers and a local large-scale human trafficking case.
“He was also tasked with improving the ICAC unit’s proficiency. He accomplished this by combining forces with the FBI’s ICAC Unit in order to create a lager net for child predators. He has made a great effort to increase his own knowledge of investigations by seeking out numerous schools as well as locating additional training for his detectives. This supervisor has made a significant impact within his section and has relayed the importance of professionalism and dedication to solving crime.”
Detective of the Year: Det. Matthew Loughman
“This detective was nominated by his supervisors. Since January, this detective has been assigned 692 cases both felony and misdemeanors for follow up. He is well organized and is able to maintain the overwhelming case load he receives. He completes his tasks without hesitation and is always willing to lend a helping hand to his fellow detectives and patrol officers.
“In April, he was recognized and received awards for his great work and outstanding service on behalf of Crime Victims. It is without a doubt this detective truly cares for victims of crime. He is currently raising money, along with his fellow detectives, to purchase gifts for six children. These children were part of an ongoing case which revealed these children were living in a neglected and abusive environment.
“This detective participated in the 2015 Police and Fire games to represent our department. He received gold, silver, and bronze medals. He volunteers his time within the community and upholds our philosophy of community policing.”
Civilian of the Year: Krista Rakich
“This employee was nominated by numerous Supervisors and other employees within the Division. Her work ethic and commitment to the Division is outstanding. She often stays over on her own time and works on projects from home. Her worst trait is that she has a difficult time saying, ‘no’ which keeps her constantly working, but without complaint. She has assisted the Detective Bureau and Patrol Officers with dozens of high-profile cases.
“One case in particular, led to the apprehension of two violent serial bank robbers who were found in Florida. During this investigation, she was able to use her social media intelligence skills to locate these dangerous, sought-after criminals. She was successful in directing Miami Beach PD and US Marshal’s to the robbers’ location and they were arrested without incident. Because of her work on this case, Miami PD asked her to come to their department and provide training to their officers.
“She has also used her skills to track down and identify two suspects responsible for craigslist robberies within the city limits. She is tasked with providing critical crime analysis data to patrol officers as well as identify crime hot spots and crime trends. She is a true asset to the Division.”
Top Cops: Det. Perry Wheeler
“This detective has been a Mansfield Police Officer for 21 years. He has been to many schools to enhance his effectiveness and meet the needs of our community. During this training, he has become a Methamphetamine Specialist. This has been a huge asset not only to Mansfield but to all of the METRICH ten county Regions. During 2015, he responded to 6 methamphetamine labs throughout the city and Richland County. He has become an expert witness in testifying on methamphetamine cases in court.
“He is considered the police department’s search-warrant guru. This detective has completed numerous speaking engagements to school counselors, students, church groups, business people and neighborhood watch groups. He is an excellent speaker and groups are intrigued with his wealth of knowledge on drug trends and drug information. He has developed hundreds of solid drug cases over the years and he is currently teaching new detectives his expertise in the handling of confidential informants, undercover operations, and vice investigations.”
Top Cops: Sgt. Chad Brubaker
“Upon initially being promoted, this Sergeant has risen to the challenge from the start. He has demonstrated a thorough knowledge of criminal law and search-and-seizure procedures. He is known for leading by example and is active on the street assisting officers and helping on calls.
“He has a strong knowledge of policy and procedure, and is considered very reliable by his peers. He has grown in his professional career while assigned to the Major Crimes Section and the METRICH Task Force. He is currently assigned to Day Shift Patrol duties where he mentors officers under his command.”
Top Cops: Sgt. Patrick Williams
“This supervisor has been adapting to his role as a newer supervisor. He has shown initiative and concern for others. He is known to mentor officers on his shift and give guidance when needed. He displays a positive attitude and has fully embraced the community policing philosophy.
“He has represented the Division by attending public events such as the Domestic Violence Great Sleep-out and the OSU student forum. He is a dedicated SWAT officer and a mentor of young officers.”
Top Cops: Officer Michael Haines
“This officer was nominated for Officer of the Year. He is described by his supervisors as being well-respected in the community and among other officers. He maintains an excellent attitude and will do anything that is asked of him without hesitation or complaint. His work ethic, calm demeanor, reliability and high degree of professionalism are an example to others.
“He distinguishes himself as a model police officer in every possible way. His activity ranks as one of the highest on his shift and he performs extremely well under stress. He is also one of the newest members assigned to the SWAT team.”
