MANSFIELD — Sgt. Jon Ahles always knew he wanted to be a police officer. As a boy growing up in Lexington, he pictured himself pursuing criminals in his cruiser, chasing down bad guys on foot and making all the big arrests.
Kind of like the officers on the TV show “Cops” that debuted in 1989 — one year after Ahles graduated from Lexington High School.
On Thursday afternoon, just before he was honored for his retirement after 30 years with the Mansfield Police Department, Ahles said instead that his best law enforcement memories will be helping people.
Perhaps best known for his years heading up the MPD’s community policing section, the 54-year-old Ahles said it’s the relationships with residents and fellow officers he will remember most when his retirement becomes official March 4.
“The people, the officers I worked with over the years. I made a lot of good friends, also, as far as the community goes. I was blessed that I did more than half my career in community policing.
“I think it’s one of the most important parts of police work, allowing you to bridge that gap between police and residents in the community,” he said. “In community policing, you are able to take the time to try and really solve problems.
“In patrol, you try and resolve whatever the issue is at that time and then you have to move onto the next one,” Ahles said.
(Below is a PDF documenting the 30-year law enforcement career of MPD Sgt. Jon Ahles.)
Those many friendships were on display in Mansfield City Council chambers, which was packed with family, friends, fellow officers, retired officers and elected officials who came to wish him well.
All of them came to honor Ahles, who was joined by his wife, Wanda, his daughters, his mom and three of his eight grandchildren.
Retirement ceremonies are not uncommon in City Council chambers. Seldom does a long line of people rise up to praise the retiree. But on Thursday, one after another, they praised the work of a man known for his smile as much as his badge and gun.
Mayor Jodie Perry, who took office in January: “Thank you for a wonderful career in public service on behalf of the citizens of Mansfield. I’m sorry that our time together was so short. But you can probably recite my campaign speech with as much as you had to hear it last year at all the neighborhood watch groups. Everyone speaks so highly of you. My interactions have all been very positive. I know you’re gonna continue to give back in different ways and I look forward to seeing how that goes.”
Safety Service Director Keith Porch, who retired as the MPD chief on Tuesday to accept his new position: “You always had a positive attitude in a job where it can be easy to sink into a hole of some hard feelings over a long career. It’s easy to do. I have teetered at that many times throughout my journey. I have never seen that displayed by you. I’ve always been impressed with the way that you carried on those duties of Neighborhood Watch, Police Explorers and any other meetings and events that you attended, even on your off time. You always had a passion for that. I can’t tell you the countless times that I’ve gotten a call from people appreciative over the things that you have done.”
Assistant Chief Jason Bammann, who joined the MPD in 1999 and became assistant chief in 2021: “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything bad said about Jon. He’s always been the go-to. In fact, the last five years, I think we abused him because he was so good. I don’t know how many times I’d say, ‘Chief, I got this’ and I would give it to Jon. Jon would say ‘OK’ and take it to its fullest. You just have no idea what you took off of chief and I with you handling a section that should have had 20 people. Jon, you have pretty much ran that all by yourself for years.”
Capt. Chad Brubaker, who joined the MPD four months after Ahles: “I’ve known him from day one, minute one of being a policeman. It makes me sad and it makes me feel old. Especially when I talk to other officers and they talk about being in the sixth grade in 1994. I’ve always appreciated Sgt. Ahles’ hard work. He was a problem solver. Oftentimes, in my position as the captain of patrol, when I’ve run into an issue where I didn’t know where to go with it or who to give it to, it’d hit me to call Jon. And he never complained. He was always on it. He was always out there problem solving, working in the community, working angles with other groups within the community to solve the problem. I appreciate that, Jon, and I’m gonna miss that. And I’m gonna miss you.”
Capt. Randy Carver, who joined the MPD in 2005: “Working the streets, talking to someone in the community, one name that they commonly bring up. ‘Do you know Sgt. Ahles? Do you know Sgt. Ahles? Do you know Sgt. Ahles?’ And that’s because (of) that Neighborhood Impact Section and your involvement in the community and how much you care. People really see it. They feel it. They know that you care. And then, for me, every time I see you here, as soon as I see you, you got that big smile on your face … that one right there. That’s what I see every time I see you, Jon, that’s what you show me. And it’s just remarkable that you’re able to carry that and continue that after all these years of service. I appreciate you. I will miss you.”
At-large City Councilman David Falquette: “Thanks for your Neighborhood Watch involvement. That’s where I got my big start. I appreciate everything you did there.”
2nd Ward Councilwoman Cheryl Meier: “I’ll keep it short and sweet because I might get choked up. As you hang up your badge and gun, know that you have made an indelible mark on this community in many, many ways. And I wish you the best in for your retirement.”
Richland County Commissioner Cliff Mears, a former City Council member: “I’ve known John socially and professionally, when I was on City Council. There’s not a lot of people I think of as larger than life, but this is one of them. He really is. What he exemplifies in the community … what he is done for the community … he is just an amazing person. I look up to you and I’m a better person for having known you, Jon.”
6th Ward Councilwoman Deborah Mount: “It’s been 20 years now that I’ve known you because you were there 2004 when our (Neighborhood Watch) group started. There at the beginning and now 20 years later. Thank you for all you’ve done. It’s been a lot for the whole city, especially now in these last few years where you’ve had the whole city for Neighborhood Watch purposes. Thank you.”
Richland County Common Pleas Court Judge Phil Naumoff: “Just like Mayor Perry, I met Jon going to neighborhood watches while campaigning. Each and every time that I went to these Neighborhood Watches, I saw the respect that all the members of those groups had for Jon. They would ask (Ahles) some of the craziest stuff in the world. He politely answered. I’m sure in his head he was thinking otherwise, but he always sit with a smile and always answer questions. He was helpful. And for that, I give him credit.”
Retired MPD Capt. Shari Robertson, who also joined the force a few months before Ahles: “A lot of people (today) stole my thunder. I think I saw him really upset maybe twice in the 28 years I worked with Jon. I can tell you that he’s definitely an asset to this department. He couldn’t have done it without his family. He always talked about his parents, his brother, his, his wife (and) his kids. You’ve just left, as (Meier) said, an indelible mark on the community. I appreciate you as a friend. Thank you for being there with me.”
Even the affable Ahles was a bit lost for words after Bammann presented him the Legion of Merit Award for Distinguished Police Service.
“I want to thank everyone for coming. It’s overwhelming. I really didn’t expect this many people.
“It’s been a long road, but it’s been a lot of fun. Just like the people who have retired before me, they say it’s about their family. It’s true. Without the sacrifices that the family gives, there is no way we could do the job that we do. So I thank my family for all of their sacrifices over the years,” Ahles said.
“Wanda and I joke that we are going to see if we like each other now because I really don’t see her much when I am working.
“I look forward to the next chapter in my life. I am sure there is going to be a lot of golf courses in that.”
(Below are photos from the retirement ceremony Thursday for Sgt. Jon Ahles.)
