MASON, Ohio -- Assistant Chief Todd Carter has been promoted as Mason's chief of police, effective Jan. 3, 2017, according to Mason City Manager Eric Hansen.
For more than five years, current Chief Ron Ferrell has been working on restructuring and strategic succession planning for the Mason Police Department. Ferrell elected to step down as Mason Chief of Police as part of this strategic plan, but he will remain with the city of Mason working on special assignments and projects.
Back in 2014, Carter was accused of sexual harassment by a female detective who said he made comments about her breasts. He had to complete a workplace harassment-related training to continue employment with the police force. That female detective has since left the Mason Police Department.
This one-time disciplinary issue is no cause for concern, said Assistant City Manager Jennifer Heft, adding that the city is confident in Carter's abilities as chief.
"There’s been absolutely no issues (since then). Carter has some very high standards, and he’s proved his commitment to the organization and the community," Heft said. "He’s a good man, and he’s going to be a great chief. We’re moving forward."
Carter is a 33-year veteran of the Mason Police Department and has served in a number of roles and assignments. He started his service in August 1983 as a patrol officer and has since served as a detective, the city’s first school resource officer, sergeant, detective sergeant, lieutenant and assistant chief in charge of police operations.
“It is an honor to become the chief of police in the community I grew up in and have served for over 33 years," Carter said in a news release. "I have enjoyed being part of Mason from its roots as a rural farm town to today as one of the premier communities in the region. I am excited by the opportunities that lie ahead for Mason and the department. We have some of the best police officers in the country, and I am committed to providing the leadership needed to further Mason’s plan for the future."
Carter was born and raised in Mason and is a 1978 graduate of Mason High School. In 1982, Carter obtained a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Wilmington College and in 2006 a master of science degree in criminal justice from Xavier University. While attending Xavier University, Carter received the Paul H. Hahn Graduate Award for Academic Achievement. Carter is also a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command receiving a letter of commendation for academic achievement for his participation in the program.
Carter and his wife Lisa have two daughters and four grandchildren.
“I am very pleased for Captain Carter. As a native Mason resident, the community and the department mean a great deal to him," Ferrell said in a news release. "He has held virtually every job within the department and performed at the highest level in each. I have no doubt that he will do the same as the chief of police. Todd is a loyal co-worker, and now he will be leading some of the best police officers I have had the opportunity to work with.”
Hansen credited Ferrell for promoting Mason's next chief of police from within the police force.
"Carter’s commitment to the community, experience and leadership abilities are important to the continued development of the department," Hansen said. "I have worked with Chief Carter for over 20 years, and I am confident of his abilities to lead an accredited department with a well-earned reputation for being one of the best police agencies in the country."
