Ken Edwards is Lynchburg’s new chief of police, rising to the top rank after three decades of service in the department.
City officials announced Wednesday that Edwards’ role begins immediately. He had been serving as interim chief since September, when former Chief Ryan Zuidema left his role to become police chief in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Hiring committee members cited Edwards’ “strong and caring leadership style, deep knowledge of the Lynchburg community, and role in helping shape the department into what it is today” as reasons for his selection, according to a city press release.
“I am honored to continue serving the Lynchburg community as Chief of Police,” Edwards said in the press release. “This department is filled with dedicated professionals, and I look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen trust, enhance public safety, and support the quality of life in our city.”
Edwards joined the Lynchburg Police Department in 1996 and has since held roles in patrol, criminal investigations, and professional standards units and served as a tactical unit team leader and a crisis negotiations team commander. He’s a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police.
The search process, led by an outside professional recruitment firm called Raftelis, attracted applicants from across the country, consisted of numerous interviews and assessments and took input from department staff and community stakeholders into consideration.
“Chief Edwards has demonstrated steady, principled leadership and a deep commitment to this community throughout his career,” said City Manager Wynter Benda in the press release. “He is widely respected by our officers, staff, and community partners, and his calm demeanor, servant-leader mindset, and genuine approach to community relationships stood out throughout the process.”
The city’s other top public safety role of fire chief is still in flux.
Deputy Fire Chief Jonathan Wright has been serving as acting fire chief since mid-November, when former Fire Chief Greg Wormser suddenly retired after being placed on paid administrative leave.
The city is working through the procurement process to find an external, independent reviewer to evaluate the fire department and its recruitment and retention practices, personnel policies and internal training protocols, city spokesperson Anna Bentson said in emailed statements. The search for the next fire chief will begin once the external review is complete, likely in March, she said.