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Columbus Police Chief Milton “Skip” Edman will pass the mantle of police chief to Lt. Chris Mayfield and retire at the end of February.
Edman will conclude nearly three decades of law enforcement service in and near Colorado County, retiring at the age of 55. Edman first worked at Columbus Police Department from 1994 to 1997, then later returned in February 2013. He was promoted to chief in the fall of 2017, a goal of his when he started in law enforcement.
“As a young man, I learned to set short term goals in my career and in my life to achieve long term goals,” Edman said. “It was always a long-term goal to be a chief in this community. I have reached that goal, and I feel like I am at an apex in my career.”
Edman said he always planned to retire at 55 because he did not want to stay in the position too long and wanted to enjoy life after leadership. Edman said he intends to find another job outside law enforcement but also to stay on as a part-time officer to assist with special assignments like festivals.
“I got a lot of life to live,” Edman said. “…I’m going to do something else, and I don’t know what it is yet, but I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my life.”
Learning from former Chief Bill Lattimore, Edman said he sought to promote a work environment of innovation and collaboration to improve the department for the community. He also said he strived to hire, train and internally promote young officers to inspire them and help with retention.
“…If we create an environment here that keeps good officers here in Columbus, they’re just going to serve the citizens here better, and it just makes it a better place to be,” Edman said.
Edman will be succeeded by Mayfield, an Eagle Lake native with 13 years of law enforcement experience with seven years at Columbus Police. Mayfield wrote that Columbus PD has maintained “professionalism, consistency and a strong connection with the community” under Edman’s leadership.
“My goal is to build on the strong foundation that’s already in place,” Mayfield wrote to the Citizen. “…My top priorities are integrity, professionalism, and supporting our officers, particularly at the patrol level.”
Mayfield described patrol officers are the “backbone” of any police department, especially because patrol officers are the first point of contact with community members. He recognized that a lot of police work happens behind the scenes but wrote that visibility and accessibility are important.
“The more crime we prevent at the patrol level, the safer our community is overall,” Mayfield wrote. “Being present in the community helps deter crime and lets people know their pol ice department is engaged and working.”
Mayfield wrote that he felt humbled and honored when learning the news of his promotion and its great responsibility. He expressed appreciation for the community’s support and trust.
“Columbus PD is a strong department with good people, and stepping into the role of Chief is something I take very seriously,” Mayfield wrote. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and focused on continuing to serve this community the right way.”
