Partnership for a Drug-Free Community names Chris Edwards as ‘Officer of the Year’
MADISON – One man in Madison has been recognized for his work to have a safer city, especially one in which teenagers can thrive.
Partnership for a Drug-Free Community has honored Officer Chris Edwards with Madison Police Department as “Officer of the Year.”
“I was honored and humbled to receive this award,” Edwards said. “I take a lot of pride in the work that I do, so to have those efforts recognized means a great deal to me.”
Edwards is grateful for Madison’s police department, his supervisors and his fellow officers. “This is a team effort, and I couldn’t do what I do without their support.” Conversely, the department announced its congratulations to Edwards for his award.
“Over the past year, Officer Edwards has worked diligently to make our community safer by getting dangerous drugs off the streets, including apprehending multiple offenders attempting to distribute drugs within our community. He has also recovered several stolen firearms, helping keep our neighborhoods safer,” according to the department.
“We are grateful for Officer Edwards’ dedication, hard work and commitment to protecting the citizens of Madison. His efforts make a difference in our community, and we are proud to have him on our team!” the department said.
Edwards started working for Madison Police Department in 2019. He has served as a patrol officer during this time. Currently, he works as a Field Training Officer or FTO and SWAT team member.
“I joined law enforcement because I wanted to make a positive impact in my community and help people in their time of need. I wanted a career that offered purpose, challenges and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others while helping keep my community safe,” Edwards said.
By being proactive while at work, Edwards has confronted drug abuse in the City of Madison . . . “‘proactive’ meaning taking initiative to prevent crime and addressing potential problems before they occur, rather than simply responding to calls after something has happened,” he said.
This approach “involves actively patrolling, identifying suspicious activity, conducting lawful vehicle stops, building relationships within the community and looking for opportunities to remove illegal drugs, weapons and criminal offenders from the streets,” Edwards said.
Concerning teenagers using/abusing drugs, alcohol or both, he believes multiple reasons exist. “These reasons being peer pressure, curiosity, stress, family struggles and the desire to fit in or escape problems,” Edwards said.
“The biggest influences I believe that contribute to these problems are the environment and household they’re raised in and also the group of friends that they associate themselves with,” Edwards said.
Edwards earned an associate’s degree at Marion Military Institute, a two-year, military junior college. He then transferred to the University of Alabama and completed a bachelor’s degree. His major was criminal justice with a minor in cyber-criminology.
Along with annual, standard training that the department requires, Edwards has attended training for Field Training Officer or FTO, which prepares new police officers after leaving the academy. In addition, he has completed training for the SWAT team.
Established in 1988, Partnership is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a healthier, drug-free community in North Alabama — at no cost. The office address is 2608 Artie St. SW, Unit 1, in Huntsville. For more information, visit thepdfc.org.
