Mayor Tim Theaker is pleased to announce after interviewing two extremely qualified candidates, and weighing all qualifications and aspects of the position, Assistant Chief of Police Keith Porch was offered and has accepted the position of Chief of Police.Porch replaced Chief Ken Coontz who officially retired on April 5, 2019.While this was a difficult decision, it confirms the high degree of knowledge, experience, dedication and professionalism within our Police Department.
Porch began his career with the Division in 1999 as a Patrol Officer in the Community Service Bureau.In April of 2007, he became a Detective with METRICH/S.I.U.Promoted to Sergeant in 2009, he returned to the Community Service Bureau until October of 2012.Porch was reassigned to METRICH/S.I.U until May of 2013 when he was promoted to Lieutenant.He served in this capacity until March of 2014.Keith was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police in March of 2014 where he gained a broad understanding of many aspects of how our Police Department functions both administratively and operationally.
Keith is a lifelong resident of Richland County graduating from Mansfield Senior High School in 1993.He graduated from North Central State College Police Academy in 1994, graduated from the Police Executive Leadership College in 2013, and graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2016.He also has over 1700 hours of advanced training in law enforcement.Keith has been married to his wife Julie since 2009.
Chief Keith Porch will take the official Oath of Office tomorrow, April 10, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. in Mansfield Council Chambers located on the third floor of the City Building.All are welcome to attend.Chief Porch will be naming his Assistant Chief of Police in the near future with a press release detailing that selection along with swearing-in details.