Three Ashland County Deputies Honored During Farewell Ceremony

• April 4, 2025

Three Ashland County Deputies Honored During Farewell Ceremony

 

ASHLAND, OH — The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office held a going-away ceremony Tuesday at its annex to honor three departing deputies: Chief Deputy David Blake, Deputy Joe Coffey, and Deputy Cody Mager. Mager is retiring, while Blake and Coffey have resigned to pursue new opportunities.

Family, friends, and fellow Law Enforcement officers from the Ashland Police Division and both Ashland and Wooster posts of the Ohio State Highway Patrol gathered to offer their thanks and well wishes. Sheriff Kurt Schneider and former Sheriff E. Wayne Risner spoke with deep appreciation for the departing deputies, recognizing their dedication and accomplishments.

“They’ve done a great job for the county, they’ve done a great job for the agency,” said Sheriff Schneider. “I wish them all the best in the endeavors of their life.”

Chief Deputy David Blake: A Career Spanning 47 Years

Chief Deputy David Blake began his career as a special deputy in January 1978, going part time while he work full-time at a state prison in January 1980, where he remained until his retirement in 2009. Blake then returned full time to the Sheriff’s Office in various roles, becoming jail administrator in 2014 and later serving as chief deputy beginning in 2021.

Former Sheriff Risner praised Blake’s decades of commitment. “He often worked six days every two weeks with us while holding down a full-time job at the prison,” Risner said. “He improved the jail by addressing security issues, keeping it clean, and bringing in new tools like body cameras and outer vests.”

Blake will continue his service in law enforcement with the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Cody Mager: Decorated Veteran and Lifesaving Deputy Retires

Deputy Cody Mager, who is retiring, began his career in January 2006 in the corrections division before moving to the road patrol and later becoming a child support enforcement officer. Mager also served on the county’s SWAT team for 15 years.

A Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Mager was wounded during a Christmas morning attack in Iraq in 2006. His military honors include the Combat Action Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, Navy Unit Commendation with a bronze star, and several others for his exemplary service.

In his law enforcement career, Mager received numerous awards including the Lifesaving Award, multiple driving citations, and was named Officer of the Year. Sheriff Schneider and former Sheriff Risner both commended Mager for his service, leadership, and perseverance. Risner added that he was proud to have hired Mager during his tenure.

Deputy Joe Coffey: Moving on After Years of Heroic Service

Deputy Joe Coffey began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in September 2015, starting in the Jail Division before transitioning to the Road Division. He also served as a School Resource Officer at Ashland County Community Academy and later at Hillsdale Schools, before returning full-time to third-shift road patrol.

Coffey is known for his quick response and bravery, having earned several citations from the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association. These included recognition for his role in an officer-involved shooting, rescuing two people from being swept into the Charles Mill Dam, and responding to a fatal accident on I-71 involving a firefighter and a state trooper. He also received the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Distinguished Service Award.

Coffey is now heading to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office to continue his law enforcement career.

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