Young picked as new Ashland chief of police

ASHLAND, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Ashland Board of Aldermen unanimously approved Scott Young to be the city’s new police chief at its Tuesday night meeting.

Young was named the interim chief in July after former Chief Gabe Edwards was put on leave. Edwards resigned on Dec. 6 as part of a settlement with the city.

According to previous reporting, Young retired from the Columbia Police Department in May 2017 after 20 years with the department.

Young said in a statement that he hadn't expected to take the permanent job but being chief grew on him while he was the interim leader.

"I am flattered the City Administrator and Board have selected me and will certainly do what I can to be worthy of their confidence," Young said.

City Administrator Kyle Michel says the city has been "more than pleased" with Young's performance.

"I recommended to the Mayor last week that he appoint Scott as the Chief of Police at our meeting last night," Michel said. "The Mayor recommended the appointment which was unanimously confirmed by the Board of Aldermen. We’re all thankful to Scott for assisting our department as interim over the last few months and are excited to see where he can take the department as the Chief."

According to previous reporting, he started with CPD in 1997 and was promoted to sergeant over the patrol division six years later. During his time in Columbia, he also served as a SWAT member and was a sergeant of the Narcotics Unit. In 2007, he was promoted to lieutenant over the patrol division. Young also worked as a part-time trainer for the CPD for six years after his retirement.