John Mansfield, Lacey’s former Police Department’s chief for 22 years, died Tuesday, August 16.
In a media release, Lacey police announced that its chief from 1980 to 2002 has passed on.
Mansfield took the helm of the Lacey Police Department on May 15, 1980, following his retirement from the San Diego Police Department where he had 22-year career that saw him rise to the rank of lieutenant.
In 1984, Mansfield championed the creation of a new police facility attached to City Hall. The facility was completed the following year and has since served as the home of Lacey police.
Lacey police credits Mansfield with introducing multiple programs to the department, including School Resource Officer, Community Service Officer, DARE/GREAT, Crime Stoppers, citizen and student academies, Senior Patrol, K9, Gang Unit, Traffic Unit, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force.
Mansfield was also a leader of law enforcement officers across Washington State, serving as commissioner on the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, as well as president of the Washington Association of Chiefs and Sheriffs.
The late Lacey police chief also taught criminal justice at Saint Martin’s University and served one term as president of the Lacey Rotary.
Mansfield retired from the Lacey Police Department in 2002 to travel with his wife, Barbara, and spend more time with his children and grandchildren.
“He left an enormous legacy which helped to lay the foundation of both today's and tomorrow's Lacey Police Department,” Lacey police said. “Officers hired by Chief Mansfield are still active in the department and remember his innovation and leadership.”
Mansfield’s family is planning a celebration of his life for September 2022.
