Mansfield honors police officer as front-line leader

The City of Mansfield awarded its annual front-line workers award to a police officer who has a reputation for solving everyday problems across the city.

City Manager Joe Smolinski handed the Jesse Fernandez Front Line Leadership Award to police officer Roman Jones at the Dec. 12 City Council meeting. Since 2016, the award has recognized front line employees who make a difference directly with the community.

“Roman solves problems we didn’t even know we had,” Police Chief Tracy Aaron said. “He solves problems while out on the field and with the community from providing housing to those in need, assisting the elderly, providing a helping hand, and sometimes even just playing catch with a child.”

Jones is often seen around the city’s parks where he bicycles more than 20 miles a day on patrol.

He is often a regular at city events and City Council meetings. He greets everyone with his bright smile and is always quick with a joke.

Jones was at a loss for words when he received the award.

“Our front line employees are most often the first experience our community members have with their city,” Smolinski said. “We are fortunate to have Roman on our team, the amount of lives he touches every day with his positive attitude and problem solving is countless.”

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