MANSFIELD — Jason Bammann knows it’s not an easy decision to become a police officer.
Chief of the Mansfield Police Department, Bammann said Tuesday “it’s no secret” law enforcement has “taken a beating” over the last few years.
“I hear people constantly say, ‘I don’t want to be a cop. This isn’t the time to get into the field,'” the chief said. “I hear current cops say that.”
“I disagree. I think now is the time. The world and our communities, they need us now more than ever.”
On Tuesday afternoon, four new officers were sworn into the MPD during a ceremony in Mansfield City Council Chambers.
Avery Reed, Cian Botdorf, Jacob Gordon and Kodi Clark will immediately begin their probationary police officer duties and be assigned to the Special Operations Bureau, Professional Standards Section.
“We (MPD) take hiring pretty serious here, so if you see them (new officers) standing up here, they’re good for this community,” Bammann said. “We’re proud and excited.”
‘We want the right people here’ says Porch
City of Mansfield Safety Service Director Keith Porch said Tuesday’s four new hires bring MPD’s current staffing level up to 79 officers.
The department is budgeted for 87 full-time officers within the Mansfield Division of Police.
“I know that the process that we have is long and probably frustrating, but there’s a reason for that,” Porch said. “We want to make sure when you’re standing here, we’re making sure we’re bringing on the right people for this job, for this career.”
Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry welcomed the new officers Tuesday in Council Chambers.
Perry said it’s exciting to see the department’s staffing level creep closer to being fully staffed and thanked the new hires for their decision.
“It just allows the police department to be able to continue to do more and more, which is obviously something that we need,” she said.
“The work that you do with our citizens is really the front lines. I appreciate that you’re willing to step up and do this.”
Several additional MPD and City of Mansfield officials echoed similar sentiments during Tuesday’s ceremony.
New hires excited to join MPD
Following Tuesday’s ceremony, each newly sworn-in officer shared with Richland Source what they’re looking forward to most about their new journey.
Reed said there’s many opportunities for professional growth at the Mansfield Police Department.
“I look forward to hopefully moving up, staying with the department for a while and getting to take care of the community,” he said.
Botdorf said being part of the Mansfield Police Department is meaningful to him.
“I think it’s the most rewarding part of being a cop, is to work around the City of Mansfield,” he said.
Getting on the road is what Gordon is most looking forward to.
“I can’t wait to work with great officers I’ve come to know while working at the hospital,” he said. “It’s a great department and I’m excited to be here with them.”
Clark shared similar excitement as his fellow new hires, saying he’s ready to be visible within the City of Mansfield.
“I’m looking forward to just being a part of the community, getting to share all the talents I’ve picked up to this point and make my family, myself and my chief proud,” he said.
(Below are photos taken Tuesday afternoon in City Council Chambers during a Mansfield Police Department swearing-in ceremony.)
