Mansfield Police Department Fund
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Richland County FoundationM.P.D. Fund was set up by Merris and Jean Welge to show their support of local law enforcement.
$200
raised by 2 people
$5,000 goal
(Photo: Left to Right; Mansfield Police Officer Mark Boggs and Sgt. Patrick Williams read to children.)
Merris and Jean Welge have always had an interest in helping law enforcement in any way they can.
Merris worked in Downtown Mansfield for 25 years, where he saw firsthand how hard local police worked. He always admired how they put themselves at risk every day for the safety of their community.
Merris and Jean set up a fund to benefit the Mansfield Police Department about four years ago.
The Welges want local law enforcement to know that they appreciate them and their dedication to their community. The family’s vision is this fund will prompt members of the community to get involved in assisting local law enforcement in any way they are able.
The fund has been used to help pay for a new de-escalation simulator.
The simulator will allow officers to practice de-escalation techniques with real-time feedback. All simulations will be available for playback to help officers see their performance and ways to improve. Each officer will train on the simulator four times a year along with classroom instruction. In addition, the MPD will use the equipment to build a bridge to the community by offering opportunities to participate in the simulator.