MANSFIELD — Friday will be the final day on the job for Mansfield Police chief Kenneth A. Coontz.
He will start his new position as director of Human Resources for the city of Mansfield on Monday, April 8.
A new police chief will be selected by Mayor Tim Theaker. His two candidates are Captain Sheri Robertson and Assistant Chief Keith Porch.
On Monday, Porch will take on the role as interim-chief until Theaker makes his decision.
Coontz’s 25-year law enforcement career included stints as a sergeant, from February 2005 to June 2009 and lieutenant, from June 2009 to May 2013. He was hired as chief of the police department on Dec. 18, 2013.
He has served in multiple capacities including patrol, watch commander, community policing, neighborhood impact section, K-9 officer/handler, traffic unit sergeant, section commander for special investigation and commander of METRICH Enforcement Unit comprised of ten counties in north central Ohio.
“I feel very conflicted by leaving,” Coontz said. “This is all I’ve done for the past 25 years.”
Coontz said he was eased by the great people within the department, pointing specifically to his command staff, which includes Porch, Robertson, and Captain Doug Noblett.
“I really appreciated Keith Porch’s friendship, talent, and professionalism,” Coontz said. “All the things he contributed to make the department better.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be by my side as chief.”
Coontz received 23 special commendations, was presented the Veterans of Foreign War’s Live Saving Award, Supervisor of the Year award, two Top Cop awards and the NAACP Community Award, among other awards and letters of recognition and support of outside law enforcement agencies.
“Cheif Coontz’s retirement represents a loss to the Mansfield Division of Police and culminates a career that has exemplified the best qualities of a law enforcement executive,” Porch said. “He has our congratulation upon his retirement and our heartfelt thanks for his many years of loyal service to the community. We wish him the greatest success and happiness in the future.”
