MANSFIELD, Ohio — The Mansfield Division of Police has announced its annual awards, recognizing the exceptional service of its staff in 2023.
Civilian of the Year: Transcriber Amy Johnson
Amy Johnson, who will mark her 20th year with the City of Mansfield on November 1st, 2023, has been named Civilian of the Year. Johnson has been lauded for her positive attitude and diligent work ethic, handling an ever-increasing workload while maintaining strict attention to deadlines. In 2023 alone, Johnson transcribed 33,545 pages, or approximately 1,287,484 words, over 127 hours and 48 minutes. This equates to an average of over two transcriptions and almost 5,000 words per workday. Johnson also completed more than 100 requests for the prosecutor’s office and resolved numerous digital issues.
Detective of the Year: Detective Larry Schacherer
Detective Larry Schacherer, who led several homicide investigations this year, has been named Detective of the Year. Schacherer’s tireless efforts resulted in the conviction and sentencing of a suspect involved in a felonious assault to 36 years in prison. He also secured a 16-21-year prison sentence for a suspect in an attempted murder case. In addition to his investigative work, Schacherer is a member of the division’s UAS and Motorcycle units.
Supervisor of the Year: Sergeant Joseph Soehnlen
Sergeant Joseph Soehnlen, a Division leader for more than six years, has been named Supervisor of the Year. Soehnlen is an integral part of the departmental firearms training and a division armorer. He has spent countless hours ensuring that officers have the necessary equipment for their daily duties. Soehnlen is also a member of the Division Honor Guard and a Field Training Officer supervisor.
Officer of the Year: Officer Justin Cikity
Since 2015, Officer Justin Cikity has served in the Community Services Bureau patrol section. In 2023, Cikity distinguished himself as an unspoken leader on his shift, consistently assisting other officers. He serves as a background investigator and a member of the Division’s Recruitment Team. Several of Cikity’s investigations and self-initiated calls for service have led to serious felony charges, where he worked with Major Crimes detectives to further the investigations and secure convictions.
Cikity’s efforts during the year have had a far-reaching impact on the overall quality of police service provided to the citizens of Mansfield. He was not only nominated by his supervisors for Officer of the Year but also by other officers on his shift. One young officer submitted an Officer of the Year nomination for Cikity, calling him “a supervisor on the road for this shift.” The officer detailed how Cikity is always willing to help younger officers and strives to make them the best they can be. Cikity displays a passion for the profession that is evident not just in word but in his actions.