The Mansfield Police Department has announced the names of officers and a civilian receiving honor recognitions for outstanding service. These awards were given at the annual Divisional Awards Banquet this past weekend, and they include the following with remarks made by the Department in their recognition.
OFFICER OF THE YEAR – ALAN EDWARDS
This Officer was nominated by his supervisors. Officer Edwards is known for his outstanding work ethic and reliability. He consistently demonstrates an excellent attitude towards the public and co-workers. He is always willing to help someone in need and complete whatever task that is assigned. This officer is currently assigned to the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, Richland County Division. In 2016, this Officer closed more than 145 fugitive cases and assisted other TFOs on more than 300 additional arrests. He works tirelessly conducting interviews, surveillance, and locating fugitives; many reaching other states. Officer Edwards was recently awarded the Wayne Leon Task Force Officer of the year for the Northern District of Ohio. He has been with the Mansfield Division of Police for 10 years and has been assigned to the U.S. Marshals Task Force since 2010. During 2016 he has upheld our core values of Honesty, Integrity, Professionalism, Respect and Self Discipline. He is an immense asset to the Mansfield Division of Police. I am proud to announce that the 2016 Officer of the Year is Officer Alan Edwards.
SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR – SGT. STEVE BLUST
This supervisor has instilled a sense of professionalism into his Unit and has been instrumental in the day to day operations. He was the acting commander for the Special Investigative Unit for six months which added to his responsibilities as a supervisor. He accepted the challenge without complaint and rose to the occasion. Over the past year, this supervisor has been tasked with overseeing the training of new personnel and is always willing to assist without hesitation. He consistently coordinates operations in such a manner as to produce a total team effort with a high volume of work. The Division can always count on his sound judgments and decisions on daily operations. Sgt. Blust has made a significant impact within his unit and has relayed the importance of professionalism and dedication to combating the drug epidemic we currently face. He has been with the Mansfield Division of Police for 24 years and assigned to the METRICH Enforcement Unit since 2004. I am proud to announce that the 2016 Supervisor of the year is Sgt. Steve Blust.
DETECTIVE OF THE YEAR – DET. RICH MILLER
This Detective was nominated by his supervisors. Since January, Detective Millerhas been assigned 157 cases; both felony and misdemeanors for follow up. He is well organized and is able to maintain the high case load he receives. He completes his tasks without hesitation and is always willing to lend a helping hand to his fellow detectives and patrol officers. Detective Miller has built great relationships with the Juvenile court, the Richland County Prosecutors Office, and many other outside agencies. These relationships not only benefit his job but the Division as a whole. He was instrumental in the NOVCC “Reducing Violent Crimes Grant Sweeps” during the summer months which resulted in a reduction of gun violence in the city during that time period. This detective’s hard work resulted in a double murder conviction in the Myron Webb homicide as well as an arrest of a suspect in the murder of Callel Valdry in which the suspect recently entered into a plea agreement and was sentenced to 15 years to life. He has been a member of the Mansfield Division of Police for 25 years and is the commander of the ASORT/SWAT team as well as a member of the Honor Guard. I am proud to announce that the 2016 Detective of the Year is Detective Rich Miller.
CIVILIAN OF THE YEAR – JERRY BOTDORF
This employee was nominated by his Supervisors within the Division. His commitment to the Division is outstanding. Supervisor Botdorf works with everyone in the Division and displays a professional attitude towards his co-workers, subordinates, and the public. He constantly adjusts his schedule and works long hours to assist with staffing deficiencies, which does not go unnoticed by his coworkers and superivsors. His work ethic is above reproach and he continually strives to make improvements in the services that his Section provides. Supervisor Botdorf views his Section as a TEAM which is one of his core beliefs and always strives to improve the morale of his subordinates. He was instrumental in the implementation of the Next Gen 911 system which was a major project for the Division. He has been a member of the Mansfield Division of Police for 3 years and currently is the Operations Supervisor of the Public Service Communication Center. He also serves as a Reserve Officer and a firearms instructor for the Division. It is with great pleasure that I announce that the 2016 Civilian of the Year is Jerry Botdorf.
