Even though he retired with a full medical, our hearts and prayers go out to his family, friends and the MPD officers that he called his brothers, and sisters.
The Mansfield Division of Police mourns the passing of former officer Orlando Chatman, who departed this life today due to medical circumstances. His distinguished career spanned twenty-five years of dedicated service to law enforcement, marked by exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to protecting others.
Chatman served with distinction on the Allied Special Operations Response Team, holding positions as operator, long rifleman, and eventually team leader. In December 2012, he was appointed commander of ASORT, a role he held with honor until his retirement in late 2016. Throughout his career, he embraced numerous responsibilities including field training officer, fitness instructor, recruitment officer, firearms instructor, crisis intervention instructor, armorer, defensive tactics team instructor, range team instructor, and technical crash investigator. His expertise in investigations and tactical operations made him an invaluable asset to the department, and he proudly served on the Honor Guard.
His accomplishments earned him prestigious recognition, including Officer of the Year in 2005, Supervisor of the Year in 2009 and 2013, Military Service Award in 2007, and Legion of Merit Awards in 2016 and 2019. Prior to joining MPD in August 2006, he served three years on active duty and one year in the Army Reserves. He also spent six years as a corrections officer, earning Correction Officer of the Year during that tenure.