Oscar Lewis III will begin his duties as chief of the Columbus Police Department on Friday, Feb. 19, according to a statement released by the mayor’s office Wednesday.
Lewis, who was chosen from among three finalists for the job on Jan. 19, is currently serving as police chief in Waynesboro.
“I will swear in Chief Lewis at the next city council meeting on Feb. 16,” Columbus Mayor Robert Smith said in the statement. “He will then begin to direct the department on Feb. 19. We look forward to having him here and working with he fine men and women of the department and our community.”
Fred Shelton will continue to serve as interim chief until Lewis’ arrival. Shelton has served in that capacity since November, when he was appointed as interim chief after the resignation of Chief Tony Carleton.
Lewis, who has served with the CPD for 20 years before leaving for Waynesboro, will be the city’s fourth police chief in four-and-a-half years.
Lewis’ salary has not yet been set, according to Pat Mitchell, the city’s human resources manager. The city advertised a $72,000 to $75,000 salary range for the position.
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