Mansfield police chief back on active duty after 2 years on leave

MANSFIELD, Mass. (WLNE) — The Mansfield police chief has returned to duty after two years of administrative leave.

Town Manager Kevin Dumas said Chief Ron Sellon was back on active duty as of Tuesday.

Sellon was placed on administrative leave in June 2021 after the town was made aware of complaints regarding his behavior.

Michael Ellsworth was acting police chief in Sellon’s absence until he announced his retirement in May.

Dumas said the town and Sellon have used the time to come to an understanding on the concerns and to “create the space and time for a needed dialogue.”

Sellon provided the following statement on the turn to his post:

I grew up in Mansfield and it has been the honor of my life to serve as the chief of police in the town I love. I recognize that, under the pressures of the job, particularly in 2020 and 2021, I did not always meet the appropriately high standards of conduct expected of me in my dealings with colleagues and town employees I supervise.

I have thought a lot about what occurred and invested in my own growth. I apologize to all affected by my conduct. I also pledge to do better going forward. I am enormously humbled by the town’s continued confidence in me and its support for my leadership. I intend to honor that trust. I look forward to doing my part to make sure that everyone in our community is safe.

Dumas recognized that the announcement may cause questions for residents and for those involved in the complaints, citing “much water under the bridge and published accounts.”

He said that Sellon is set to resume leading the police department with the support of the town.