MANSFIELD — Richland County Sherriff’s Office Maj. Joe Masi announced Wednesday his retirement from the department, effective June 2.
Masi, who has been Sheriff Steve Sheldon’s chief deputy for the past eight years, spent more than four decades in law enforcement.
“I have enjoyed working with an excellent team of correctional and law enforcement officers, support staff and administrative personnel,” Masi said in an email to department employees.
“This team has realized several essential accomplishments and achieved many key goals,” said Masi, who worked as the county jail administrator from 2011 to 2013, when he became the chief deputy.
“I am leaving a team that shares an exceptional amount of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm; the team will continue to do great things for the Richland County Sheriff’s Office,” Masi said.
“I have enjoyed over 40 years in law enforcement and feel that this is the best time to retire,” he said.
“The sheriff’s office will continue to be a great place to work. I honestly love this place and it will always be in my heart,” Masi said. “I will always pray for law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and all those who work at the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
“I am proud to have worked with all of you,” Masi said.
Masi’s relationship with the Richland County Sheriff’s Office began in 1980 when he was 18 years old. While at the sheriff’s department, he rose to the rank of captain in charge of the patrol bureau.
After nine years, he worked for then-Richland County Prosecutor James J. Mayer as an investigator until 1997.
Thereafter, he worked for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections as a warden’s assistant, and he returned to the sheriff’s department as captain of the corrections division in March 2011.
