Ashland Board of Aldermen appoints interim police chief

ASHLAND, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Ashland Board of Aldermen appointed an interim police chief during its special meeting Tuesday night.

Leaders selected Scott Young to serve as the interim police chief starting Wednesday.

"I'm honored to have the opportunity, it’ll be something new for me,” Young said.

Young retired from the Columbia Police Department in May 2017 after 20 years with the department. According to the Columbia Police Department, he started 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 has also worked as a trainer for the Columbia Police Department for the past 6 years.

Tuesday's announcement came a little over a week after City Administrator Kyle Michel put Ashland Police Chief Gabe Edwards on paid administrative leave.

Young said he's excited to serve the city of Ashland, but that he's aware he has a lot of things to learn.

"Hopefully I can bring just some stability, and we can serve the citizens of Ashland well with a good police department," Young said. "And at this point I can't give you any specifics on anything I'm gonna be doing because I've got a lot to learn first, I'm the new guy."

Aldermen met privately in a closed session to discuss the matter. On July 17, Edwards was placed on paid administrative leave for a personnel matter, but the city has not disclosed what the matter pertains to.

The Boone County Sheriff's Office has been overseeing patrol operations in Ashland as city leaders worked to appoint an interim police chief.

Young noted that he does plan to continue working with the Columbia Police Department periodically, but his main focus is on serving the city of Ashland.

“So I’ll still, I’ll do a few duties there but this will be my focus,” Young said.