MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Police Department lost another asset with the retirement of detective Ronald R. Packer Sr., who was celebrated with a retirement party Friday in the Mansfield City Council chambers.
“Obviously, it’s well deserved for Detective Packer, but it’s a loss to the division of police,” Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch said.
Packer joined the Mansfield Police Department on Feb. 14, 1989, as a patrol officer, assigned to the Community Services Bureau and the traffic section. He worked there for three years. He then transferred to the Special Operations Detective Section of the Major Crimes Unit in 2007, where he was assigned more than 1,460 cases.
“Detective Packer is known for his hard work, dedication, initiative and positive attitude towards his work,” Porch said. “He consistently demonstrates a high degree of skill, integrity and perseverance in his job.”
Packer was the lead investigator on two bank robberies, resulting in federal charges against the robbers. He also led two successful homicide investigations during his career as a detective.
Packer earned MPD’s Top Cop award in 2009 and 2018.
“It’s all part of the job,” Packer said after Porch read highlights of his career.
Members of the department told Packer of his importance to the force.
“You always treated me with respect,” said Capt. Shari Robertson. “When I was promoted to sergeant, I was put on first shift with all of these veteran guys… I appreciated how you treated me with respect — not just my rank, but me as a person. I will never forget that.”
