MANSFIELD — Blake Bammann has plenty of nearby advice if he needs it as he begins a career in law enforcement.
He could choose any family gathering.
The 22-year-old was sworn in Wednesday as a Mansfield police officer, becoming the third generation in his family to join the local force.
“It seems that’s what everybody does in our family now,” the 2018 Lexington High School graduate said with a smile.
His dad is current MPD Assistant Chief Jason Bammann and his grandfather is retired Sgt. Mike Bammann, who is still president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 32 after his own 35-year career.
The youngest Bammann, who recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati, was one of six new officers sworn in Wednesday.
The ceremony in City Council chambers was attended by family and friends of the new officers, as well as MPD leaders, Richland County Commissioner Cliff Mears and City Council President David Falquette.
Chief Keith Porch thanked the family and friends for, “allowing your loved ones to take on this role as a police officer and taking on these responsibilities.”
“Being a police officer in today’s environment is absolutely the toughest job in America. Not a lot of people are (becoming law enforcement officers) and my hat’s off to you six for doing that,” the chief said.
Five more are scheduled to take the oath on Thursday, joining a department badly in need of manpower. The MPD is budgeted for 87 sworn officers and had just 72 at the end of last week.
Nine of the new 11 officers, including Bammann, will soon begin peace officer training at North Central State College, a 20-week program, which will then be followed by the MPD’s own 14-week field training program.
That means the nine will not be available for solo street patrol until May or June 2022 at the earliest.
Porch said the process to become a patrol officer is long, but necessary.
“I am proud (of that) because we will not sacrifice (that training). We want the best individuals working for Mansfield police. I believe we have that today,” the chief said.
Safety-Service Director Lori Cope, a former MPD officer, said it’s a fun and exciting moment for the new members.
“It’s so difficult and we have so many challenges, but know we will take great care of your husbands, sons and brothers. That’s what we do,” Cope said. “Thanks for allowing them to come and join us.”
Bammann, who played football in college, said the city of Mansfield means a great deal to him when it came time to select a department.
“Working somewhere you really care about is important in this kind of job. Growing up around it, it does become important to you … seeing what all they go through.
“I am definitely very excited to venture on this journey,” Bammann said.
Bammann, who also earned a certificate in substance abuse counseling while in college, said he understands new officers are beginning law enforcement careers at a difficult time.
“We are coming into it now … so this will be all we know. (Older officers) have already watched the job itself change and as times progress, this is all we know,” he said.
“I am confident the academy will teach us all kinds of things to help keep us safe. When we finally (begin patrol) and have the opportunity to go out, we will lean on the older people who have been here for awhile, listen to what they have to say and use their advice,” he said.
He laughed when asked what it will be like to have an assistant chief for a father.
“I don’t expect any (special) treatment,” Bammann said. “In fact, he will probably hold me to a higher standard. It’s definitely special to follow in the footsteps of people in your family, people who are very close and important to you.”
Jason Bammann, who joined the department in 1999, was sworn in as assistant chief two months ago in the same City Council chambers in which his son took the oath on Wednesday.
Mike Bammann’s voice was full of pride Wednesday when asked about his son and grandson.
“You always want better things for your children than you had,” the eldest Bammann said. “I am proud of my years in the department, but I am prouder of my son and my grandson.
“What better tribute can there be than to have both of them follow in your footsteps?” Mike Bammann said.
Also taking the oath on Wednesday were Stanley Evans, Zachary Winters, Ashton Bell, Noah Waterer and Garrett Whitney. Of those, Bell is the only officer already certified and will immediately begin the department’s field training program.
Scheduled to be sworn in Thursday are Desmond Ragland, John Lafferty, Dylan Stephenson, Austin Hall and Valerie Grayer. Ragland will be certified later this month and will then field ready for field training.
Porch said on Wednesday former MPD officer Jacob Oblak, who joined the department in 2018 before later accepting a law enforcement job in Garfield Heights, Ohio, has decided to rejoin the department.
He said Oblak was sworn back into the local department on Tuesday and will begin a modified training program before resuming patrol within a month.
