Crime & Safety

Edwards Sworn In As Police Chief

Three others in Oak Creek Police Department earn promotion.

John Edwards was formally sworn in as police chief of Oak Creek Friday afternoon.

Edwards was named to the position last month to replace the retiring Tom Bauer. He has served in the police department for more than 25 years, beginning his career as a patrol officer before moving up to the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and captain. 

His career also includes being shot in the line of duty. Mayor Dick Bolender and police Capt. Michael Bolender noted it as just one example of what Edwards has been through to get to this point.

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"This is the story of a fighter," Michael Bolender said. "John fought back and became the same great cop he had been prior to the shooting." 

Edwards said he views the police chief's role as one of support - to make sure patrol officers, detectives, clerks and dispatchers have what they need to do a good job.

Find out what's happening in Oak Creekwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I don't think this is a transition, it's continuation," Edwards said. "We're going to continue to do a good job, we're going to continue to work hard. We're going to continue to bring people up through the ranks and understand what it is to be a police officer here in Oak Creek."

The hour-long ceremony inside the Oak Creek Municipal Courtroom also featured the swearing in of three others, whose promotions followed the naming of Edwards as chief: Steven Anderson as captain, Randy Knitter as lieutenant and Robert Carter as sergeant. 


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