MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Division of Police honored its top cops at a banquet earlier this month.
“This event recognizes the outstanding work performed by all employees throughout the year,” Jason Bammann, Chief of Police stated. “While the evening highlights our five major awards, a wide array of additional awards are also presented to honor excellence across the division.
“The Assistant Chief and I could not be more proud of the incredible work accomplished by every member of the Division, both sworn and non-sworn. The successes we achieved in 2025 were truly a team effort, and it takes everyone working together to produce these results.
Bammann said the department’s focus in 2026 will remain on proactively targeting and reducing crime while continuing to strengthen community programs and partnerships.
“As our great city continues to move in a positive direction, public safety will remain our top priority,” the chief said. “Congratulations to all of our award recipients, and thank you to every member of the Mansfield Division of Police for your dedication and service.”
Civilian of the Year
Ginger Antrican was chosen the Civilian of the Year.
Since joining the Mansfield Division of Police on Nov. 13, 1999, Ginger Antrican has exemplified unwavering dedication, compassion, and selfless service.
Over more than two decades, she has devoted countless hours, shared her talents, and invested her personal resources to positively impact the Division, its personnel, and the community of Mansfield.
Ginger’s contributions extend far beyond measurable achievements.
Through mentoring, organizing, and volunteering, she has touched the lives of countless individuals, particularly our youth, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to public service.
Her efforts are further reflected in her active participation with local non-profit organizations and boards, continually striving to make Mansfield a safer and stronger community for all.
Her dedication, perseverance, and selflessness have inspired colleagues, citizens, and the community alike.
For her outstanding contributions, devotion, and exemplary service to the Mansfield Division of Police and the City of Mansfield, Ginger Antrican is hereby recognized as Civilian of the Year.
Dispatcher of the Year
The Dispatcher of the Year is Evelyn Saunders.
For decades, Evelyn Saunders has been the calm, steady voice at the heart of the Mansfield Public Safety Communications Center.
Her professionalism, expertise, and unwavering commitment have made her an indispensable member of the Division, providing critical support to officers and staff across every shift.
Evelyn consistently demonstrates remarkable dedication, often working extensive overtime to ensure seamless operations, whether assisting officers during quiet nights, managing high-volume emergencies, or guiding personnel through complex and evolving situations.
Her ability to remain composed under pressure has been a stabilizing force, ensuri/ng the safety of both the public and her fellow officers.
In 2025, Evelyn embraced a multitude of new responsibilities with grace and professionalism, including adapting to a new CAD system, managing the DFR program, ensuring timely warrant entries, and training new personnel.
She not only imparted the technical knowledge necessary to succeed but also instilled in new hires the importance of respect, communication, and service — the hallmarks of her own exemplary career.
Evelyn Saunders’ tireless commitment, exceptional skill, and dedication to duty have had an immeasurable impact on the Mansfield Division of Police and the community it serves.
Her leadership, integrity, and service set the highest standard for public safety communications.
For her extraordinary contributions and enduring dedication, Evelyn Saunders is hereby recognized as Dispatcher of the Year.
Detective of the Year
Perry Wheeler earned the Detective of the Year honor.
Detective Perry Wheeler has exemplified the highest standards of law enforcement throughout his distinguished career with the Mansfield Police Department, serving since 1994 and as a Detective in the Special Investigative Unit/METRICH since 2003.
His professionalism, expertise, and tireless commitment to drug enforcement investigations have set a benchmark for excellence within the Division and throughout the 10-county METRICH region.
During 2025, Detective Wheeler coordinated numerous complex investigations, drug buys, search warrants, and intelligence-gathering operations.
As a training officer and mentor, he routinely guides less experienced Detectives, sharing knowledge and best practices both within Mansfield and across the METRICH region.
Additionally, Detective Wheeler leads the Division’s Meth Response Team, providing critical oversight and expertise in high-risk operations.
Through his efforts, the SIU/METRICH unit investigated over 200 criminal charges and executed 50 search warrants in the first three quarters of 2025 alone.
These investigations resulted in the seizure of 3,412 grams of cocaine, 2,632 grams of methamphetamine, 1,640 grams of heroin/fentanyl, numerous illegal firearms, and over $60,000 in illicit funds.
Seventy-five suspects were indicted during this period, including one subject sentenced to over 40 years — all reflecting the direct impact of Detective Wheeler’s dedication, skill, and leadership.
Detective Wheeler’s exceptional work ethic, investigative skills, and unwavering commitment to justice have significantly contributed to the safety and well-being of the community.
His professionalism and dedication exemplify the highest traditions of law enforcement and bring great credit to himself, the Mansfield Police Division, and the community he serves.
For his outstanding achievements and exemplary dedication to duty, Detective Perry Wheeler is hereby recognized as Detective of the Year.
Supervisor of the Year
Sergeant Joseph Gladden was chosen the Supervisor of the Year.
Gladden exemplifies the highest standards of leadership, professionalism, and service within the Mansfield Division of Police.
Throughout 2025, he has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the mission of the Department and to the development of the officers under his supervision.
Sgt. Gladden leads by example, consistently demonstrating sound decision-making, tactical proficiency, and unwavering integrity.
Under his guidance, his shift has achieved measurable success, including approximately 50 award nominations recognizing officers’ distinguished accomplishments.
He commands respect not solely through authority, but through fairness, mentorship, and consistent professionalism, investing significant time in developing both his officers and himself to meet the challenges of modern law enforcement.
Approaching each challenge with balance and composure, Sgt. Gladden prioritizes safety, communication, and problem-solving. Whether managing critical incidents or guiding complex investigations, he consistently demonstrates calm leadership and sound judgment.
Beyond his patrol duties, Sgt. Gladden contributes extensively to the Division as a Firearms Instructor, FTO Supervisor, ALICE Instructor, MILO Instructor, Defensive Tactics Team member, and Acting Team Leader for ASORT.
In 2025, he also completed numerous professional trainings to maintain and expand his expertise, including CTS Instructor, Pistol Instructor, Rifle Instructor, Low Light Instructor, Shotgun Instructor, Core Criminal Investigations Training, and Search Warrant Training.
Sergeant Gladden’s leadership has elevated the performance of his shift, enhanced the capabilities of his officers, and strengthened the reputation of the Mansfield Division of Police.
For his outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and exceptional service, Sergeant Joseph Gladden is hereby recognized as Supervisor of the Year.
Officer of the Year
Paul Webb earned the Officer of the Year distinction.
Officer Paul Webb has served the Mansfield Police Department with distinction for 12 years, consistently demonstrating professionalism, dedication, and excellence in all aspects of his work.
His leadership, tactical expertise, and commitment to community safety have made him an invaluable member of the Department.
Officer Webb serves as a valued member of the SWAT team, recently appointed as a Team Leader in recognition of his leadership abilities and tactical proficiency. He is also a Field Training Officer, firearms instructor, OC instructor, and an active participant on the contract negotiations team.
Beyond the Department, he has instructed officers from neighboring agencies on critical topics, including police-involved shootings, further demonstrating his expertise and leadership in law enforcement.
Throughout 2025, Officer Webb has consistently gone above and beyond his regular duties.
He has personally trained three probationary officers, providing over ten weeks of hands on instruction, and has helped mentor nearly half of the Department’s newer generation of officers over the years.
His dedication to developing future officers exemplifies his commitment to the long-term success of the Department.
Officer Webb is also a passionate advocate for proactive policing. His efforts have resulted in 68 arrests this year, including numerous drug seizures and warrant apprehensions, directly contributing to the safety and effectiveness of patrol operations.
Beyond the badge, he is a committed mentor to area youth, demonstrating leadership and integrity in all aspects of his life.
Though he holds no formal supervisory title, Officer Webb is a natural leader. Officers consistently seek his guidance, and supervisors rely on his presence to stabilize high-stress situations.
His calm under pressure, sound decision-making, and commanding presence make him indispensable during critical incidents.
For his sustained excellence, unwavering dedication, and outstanding contributions to the Department and community, Officer Paul Webb is hereby recognized as the 2025 Officer of the Year.