MANSFIELD — Mayor Tim Theaker announced Tuesday that Keith Porch will be the new Chief for the Mansfield Police Department.
Porch, who worked as assistant chief for five years, takes over for Ken Coontz, who stepped down on Friday, April 5 Porch accepted interim chief duties the following day.
He will be sworn-in as chief of police Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the City Council Chambers.
”I’m overwhelmed, excited and looking forward to the challenge of working with the fine men and women of the department, both sworn and unsworn,“ Porch said.
“While this was a difficult decision, it confirms the high degree of knowledge, experience, dedication and professionalism to our police department,” Theaker said.
Cope added both candidates for the job, Porch and Captain Shari Robertson, were strong candidates, confirming the direction of the the MPD will continue to thrive.
Porch, who has worked with the MPD since 1999, will make for a smooth transition, Safety Services Director Lori Cope said.
“I’ve worked with him on the streets. He has the same ethics and morals as Kenny (Coontz). He has all the qualifications,” she said. “He will be so valuable to the community and the police officers.”
Porch began his career as a patrol officer in the community service bureau. He then was a detective with METIRICH in April of 2007. In May 2013, he was promoted to Lieutenant and then appointed assistant chief in March of 2014.
Porch is a lifelong Richland County resident.
Coontz, who recommended his assistant chief for the position said he was excited for the official appointment.
“Keith maintains that community policing philosophy. He really believes in embracing the community and that is really beneficial to the department and community,” Coontz said. “He’s a really ethical guy and I can’t imagine anyone else being police chief in these times we live in.
“Because the department has such great leadership, we are able to get through that. You always trust Keith will attempt to do the right thing.”
