MANSFIELD — Lieutenant Chad Brubaker never thought Tuesday would come.
Brubaker was promoted from Mansfield Police Department’s Community Services Bureau sergeant to lieutenant Tuesday after working in the in a variety of positions for approximately 22 years.
“I definitely didn’t expect it when I moved here,” he said minutes after a ceremony held in the downtown station.
Prior to working in Mansfield, Brubaker said he served at two departments near Van Wert, Ohio.
“I thought I’d just pass through and get some experience and go back to my hometown. I had no family members here. But it (living in Mansfield) grew on me,” Brubaker said, smiling as family members, MPD detectives and patrolmen gave knowing laughs.
“It’s nice, the police department became my family. The city adopted me,” he said.
As of Monday, Aug. 1, Brubaker reported to Captain Bret Snavely during the night watch, the most coveted of positions — there is more action at night. But MPD Chief Ken Coontz believes Brubaker is the man for the job.
“He displays strong ethics and morals. He gets it. I couldn’t praise him enough. He’s just another person I can rely on,” Coontz said during the promotion ceremony.
In attendance was Mansfield mayor Tim Theaker, Safety Service Director Lori Cope, Captain Bret Snavely, Captain Shari Robertson, Lieutenant Robert Skropits, family members, other detectives and patrolmen.
Coontz also said Brubaker brings brevity to heavy situations.
“He’s been a lot of fun and he’s able to lighten the situation,” Coontz said.
But the new lieutenant also has an ability to stay calm and is not reactive, he said.
“If you surround yourself with people who tell you what you want to hear, you’re set up for failure. He talks sincerely,” Coontz said of Brubaker.
