Columbus police chief to retire this fall after nearly 50 years of service

Columbus Police Chief Ricky Boren will be retiring from the Columbus Police Department this fall after nearly 50 years with the department, according to a press release Thursday from the mayor’s office.

Boren’s last day as chief will be on Oct. 31. Boren was appointed as Chief of Police in Nov. 2004, but began his career with the department as an officer in Dec. 1971.

“It has been my honor to serve the citizens of Columbus, Georgia, and surrounding areas as a member of the Columbus Police Department for the last 49 years,” Boren said in the release. “I have enjoyed a fulfilling career of service to the citizens of our city and the officers and employees of our department.”

Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson added that Boren has made a lasting impact on the community and the police department.

“The Chief is highly regarded in the community and this profession. Ricky will be missed,” Henderson said in the release.

The city of Columbus will conduct a national search for the new Chief of Police.

This story was originally published July 16, 2020 at 4:02 PM.