Chief Ryan Zuidema Retires from LPD, Accepts Role in Wilmington, NC

The City of Lynchburg announced that Chief of Police Ryan Zuidema will retire from his role as Chief of the Lynchburg Police Department and accept the position of Chief of Police for the City of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Chief Zuidema has served the Lynchburg community with distinction for nearly 29 years. He began his career with the Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) in 1997 and has held a wide range of assignments and leadership roles within the department. He was appointed Chief of Police in 2018 and has since led the department with a strong focus on transparency, professionalism, and community trust.

City Manager Wynter Benda will name Deputy Chief Kennith R. Edwards Jr. to serve as interim Chief of Police upon Chief Zuidema’s retirement.

The City will announce plans for a national search and community engagement in the coming weeks.