MANSFIELD — Shari Robertson returned to the building of her 28-year career on Tuesday night.
The retired Mansfield Police Department captain walked into Mansfield City Council chambers for her new position, just two years after council honored her for her career in law enforcement.
Robertson, who was appointed to complete Stephanie Zader’s term, was sworn in as at-large councilwoman Tuesday.
“I see many of my friends and former and current co-workers in the audience, and my family,” she said. “Judges, commissioners, community leaders — thank you for supporting me tonight and I hope I serve you well.”
Robertson was the commander of the Special Operations Bureau, which oversees detectives, major crimes unit, forensic science, neighborhood impact, and the office of professional standards and training.
She spent 27 years with MPD. She also served as an Ohio Crime Prevention Association district representative and later became president of the organization. Robertson co-authored OCPA’s Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist Training Manual and Curriculum in 2012.
Her writing skills also helped bring in $11 million for MPD over the course of her career from grant applications.
A 1985 Madison High School graduate, Robertson said she applied to the open council position to help better the City of Mansfield.
“It’s a privilege to come to this office and I’m looking forward to running for the seat and having the community hopefully elect me to the position,” she said. “That’s what really matters to me.”
First Ward Councilwoman Laura Burns welcomed Robertson to “Team Mansfield” during the council’s caucus meeting Tuesday.
“I know Shari will bring about some good changes and I want to encourage the city to welcome her,” Burns said.
“The city has had a lot of leadership changes over the past 10 months, and I want to make sure the residents of Mansfield understand that even with all these changes, we all seek to serve the city the way we always have.”
Robertson will serve through the end of 2025 in her current role and plans to seek election to the seat on next year’s ballots.
