Byron Hickey delivers message to Columbus Council in his farewell speech
Former Columbus Councilor Byron Hickey of District 1 said farewell to the council at the start of Tuesday’s meeting, delivering a speech after the council honored him.
Columbus Councilor Charmaine Crabb of District 5 read a proclamation declaring May 26, 2026, Councilor Byron Hickey Appreciation Day, thanking him for his “leadership, professionalism and spirit of collaboration to the work of local government.”
Hickey, a retired Columbus police officer, was appointed to the District 1 seat after the death of Councilor Jerry “Pops” Barnes in 2024. He served until this month’s special election and had filed paperwork last year to run for mayor in the 2026 election.
However, Hickey dropped out of the mayoral race in January for health reasons.
In his farewell speech, Hickey thanked Barnes for “having confidence” in him to finish the term.
Hickey also thanked the mayor, the city attorney, the deputy city managers, the clerk of council, the other councilors and all the staff.
“Some people ask will I miss it,” he said. “Yes, I will. But I know that time moves on and people move on. I just want to say I’m grateful to God for the opportunity to come aboard and be a part of this council because I’ve built some relationships that I thought I never would build.”
Hickey urged the councilors to remember that “it’s not about us” and to put the people and city employees they are serving first.
“When it comes to your constituents, our beautiful and loving citizens of this community, continue to do your best to serve them the best that you can because they really deserve it,” he said.
Hickey is succeeded by Simi Barnes, daughter of Jerry “Pops” Barnes. Simi Barnes, a licensed professional counselor, won the special election May 19. Barnes was sworn in after Hickey and the council finished his farewell.
This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 11:22 AM.
