Mansfield Police Officer Stephen Hornback to retire after nearly 20 years

Officer Stephen Hornback will retire from the Mansfield Police Department effective March 3, after nearly 20 years on the force.

Officer Hornback was appointed to the department on September 21, 1998. Prior to his appointment to the department, in 1987 he served in the U.S. Air Force as a C-130 Aircraft Crew Chief. Upon Honorable Discharge he worked for the State of Ohio Industrial Commission as a Claims Examiner from 1990 to 1998 until his appointment to the Division of Police and assignment to the Patrol Bureau.

In 2007 he joined the K-9 Unit with K-9 Astor, where he spent over half of his career. They certified annually with OPOTA, as well as United States Police Canine Assoc. (Region 5). They certified for the next 5 years in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky receiving 8 trophies in various events related to patrol work. In 2012 they competed in the United States Police Canine Assoc. (USPCA) National Event in Punta Gorda, Florida where 110 dogs from this country and Canada also competed, and K- Astor received a ‘Certification in Excellence Award’. K-Astor was retired in 2012 and Officer Hornback took on K-9 Sem in 2013. In 2014 K-9 Xaro joined him in the K-9 Unit where they still work together.

In 2013 he obtained his K-9 trainers certificate. He also completed the K-9 Evaluators course to assess and certify K-9’s for OPOTA, and now he certifies K-9's statewide for their annual certifications. In 2014 he was recognized as the K-9 trainer for the City of Mansfield, as well as being voted in as the Vice President for Region 5 for USPCA where he remains in both positions.

In 2016 he was given the opportunity to train a K-9 class for the City of Mansfield that included our two new K-9’s, along with the K-9 from Mt. Gilead PD. During this time he also took K-9 Xaro to USPCA and certified him in tracking at the regional level. In 2016 he also finished his apprenticeship for judging K-9’s attempting to certify for USPCA. Currently he judges for USPCA, and has judged events in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Washington D.C. In retirement he plans to stay active with the training of police K-9’s, judge K-9’s for USPCA, and certify police K-9s for OPOTA.

Officer Hornback’s retirement represents a loss to the Mansfield Division of Police, the citizens of this community and culminates a career that has exemplified the best qualities of a law enforcement professional. He is known for his hard work, dedication, initiative and positive attitude toward his work and co-workers. He has received numerous Special Commendation Awards, letters of recognition and letters of appreciation from citizens and fellow law enforcement personnel. Steve has our congratulations upon his retirement and our heartfelt thanks for many years of loyal service. We wish him the greatest success and happiness in the future.