COLUMBIANA — The city’s newest police chief is a 28-year veteran of the department.

Council appointed Mark Edwards to the post being vacated by a retiring William Myers during Tuesday’s meeting.

Edwards started as an auxiliary police officer in 1996 and became a full-time patrolman in 2001. Edwards was made a detective for Columbiana in 2021.

The new chief has a lot of experience working as part of teams, including the East Palestine Police Department, Leetonia Fire Department, Columbiana EMS and the Canfield Fair Police Department.

Edwards also provides security for Heroes and Halos as well as serves as secretary for the Leetonia Public Library board of directors.

The hire action had emergency language as Edwards would start his new post effective April 5, as Myers’ last day as chief is April 4.

Mayor Rick Noel and council member Ty Graham were absent from the meeting, which was led by council president “Skip” Liston.

In other action, members also:

— Approved a (DORA) Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area request by Jane Bohrer for this year’s Witch Walk for Oct. 3. Councilmember Bob Quetot abstained without giving an explanation why.

— Passed the second reading for the public records policy for dash and body cams

— Approved the purchase of asphalt from Tri-County Asphalt Materials of North Lima.