In a lot of ways, Edwin Taylor seemed to be a police chief from a movie or a television series. He was the kind of chief who could have been a beloved character for many, who every episode solves the crime and imparts life wisdom to his officers and the audience along the way.
Instead, he was very real, and he served Columbia as Chief of Police for 22 years, taking the position in 1981 and retiring in 2003.
After retirement, Chief Taylor went on to serve two terms as a city councilman. When he died last week unexpectedly, the loss immediately hit his former officers and those in the community who knew and respected him.
Mayor Pam Hoots began her first term as mayor when Taylor was chief.
“He was a great police chief. He was a mentor; I was coming in as a new mayor. He was very supportive. He cared about Columbia. He cared about the police department, and he cared about our community,” Mayor Hoots said. “This is a great loss for our community.”
School Resource Officer Mark Harris also began his career under Chief Taylor, being hired to the CPD in 1989. He recalls how he was one of several officers hired around the same time who were in their twenties, and how Chief Taylor served as both a boss and a mentor.
“He was really good to work for. He had a lot of young guys… We were ready to get out there and solve the world’s problems and do some hardcore policing. And Edwin, he had to remind us… you are policing the people in our community that we live with, so you want to keep in mind these are our friends and neighbors and family out here. You need to be fair and not write somebody a ticket for going two miles an hour over the speed limit. He was a really good role model for us younger guys and keeping us grounded,” Officer Harris said.
Part of mentoring his new batch of younger officers was leading by example. Every day, Chief Taylor came into work early. He did so because he needed the time to polish his shoes, polish his belt buckle, and ensure everything about his uniform was up to his standards. After all, he asked the same of his officers.
Part of why the police’s presentation meant so much to him was that he valued community-based policing. He wanted the police to be part of their community, to get to know the people they were sworn to protect and serve. This included going into local businesses, going to local ball games, and being seen and present for those on their beat.
“And us guys being young, too, he would give us some life lessons and advice. He was big on his family. Edwin loved his family. He would tell us, ‘Don’t let this police work control your life. Make sure you spend time with your family,” Officer Harris said.
Officer Harris would go on to become police chief himself. He credits Taylor with the ability and the inspiration to do so.
“I owe a deep sense of gratitude to (Chief Taylor)… He guided me. I probably wouldn’t have been the police chief without his tutelage over me,” he stated.
Chief Taylor died on Tuesday, Dec. 10 in an accident at his home while working on his truck. Memorial services were held this Saturday with burial at Jones Chapel Cemetery.
By Kenley Godby
kenley@adairvoice.com
