Richard “Rick” Edwards is now the city’s 21st chief of police.

Lincoln Saunders, the city’s chief administrative officer, announced the choice Wednesday following a national search.

“I am honored,” said Chief Edwards, who has served as acting chief for the past nine months.

A University of Richmond graduate who played basketball, the tall, bald-headed police chief was handed the department’s reins last October following the resignation of his predecessor, Gerald Smith.

“Our goal will be to continue to make the city a safe place for our residents and visitors,” he stated. “I am committed to leading an efficient, well-managed department that is rooted in service to the Richmond community.”

During his nearly 24-year career, he has been involved with patrol operations, criminal investigations, the development of strategies for crime reduction and community engagement and responses to security threats.

He also had to shoot an armed man who fired at him and a fellow officer during a 2002 traffic stop.

Among the big, continuing challenges that the new chief faces: Filling empty slots. The department is operating with about 600 sworn officers, or about 154 people short of full strength, despite significant pay increases at the same time violent crime, particularly shootings, have increased.

His starting pay will be a record $216,000, the highest ever for a city police chief, according to city information. Chief Smith previously had been the highest paid Richmond police chief ever at $185,000 a year.

Chief Edwards will be third police chief that Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administration has appointed since he first took office in 2017.

Mr. Saunders said that the new chief “stood out among all the applicants. He brings decades of experience and has a solid reputation throughout the region.”

The city received 26 applications for the post, with the new chief being among the three finalists who were interviewed last week by a 10-member committee Mr. Saunders established to assist the process, according to a city statement. The panel recommended Chief Edwards.

The selection drew applause from members of City Council and the wider community as well as from the police union, the Richmond Coalition of Police, which is now involved in negotiating its first contract.

The choice was popular in large part due to Chief Edwards’ efforts to re-establish trust within the department and with the community during his tenure as acting chief.

Council President Michael J. Jones, who served on the interview committee, described him as an ideal choice.

Dr. Jones stated in a text to the Free Press that the chief already has made “remarkable contributions” since taking charge. But he stated that it is Chief Edwards’ caring approach that has stood out.

“I have yet to arrive at a tragic scene in a neighborhood and not see Chief Edwards,” the 9th District council member continued. “We require a leader who can adapt swiftly and proactively. He has not only demonstrated exceptional leadership, but also has displayed a remarkable ability to anticipate challenges.”

He also “values collaboration and inclusivity in our community ... and consistently demonstrated his dedication to the people, ensuring every person is acknowledged and that their voices are heard,” Dr. Jones stated.

Members of the council’s Public Safety Committee were equally supportive.

Public Safety Chair Reva M. Trammell, 8th District, said her phone was blowing up with calls from constituents praising the choice of an officer who “came up through the ranks” and has proven supportive of “police officers, our citizens, our churches and the business owners.”

She said she is confident that Chief Edwards will continue to work with neighboring counties and federal and state agencies to “combat crime.”

Fifth District Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch, who also serves on the committee, stated that “his length of service, experience and compassion for the communities he serves is top-notch and exemplary of the leadership the Richmond Police Department needs at this time.”

“I think it’s great,” said Sixth District Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, who has served nearly 20 years on the council and seen numerous chiefs come and go. “He has already shown an ability to work well with the council.”

The Richmond Coalition of Police, which had been supportive of Chief Edwards since he was named acting chief, applauded the choice, noting the chief’s long service and familiarity with the city. “His appointment will provide stability,” an RCOP spokesman said.

Richmond NAACP Branch President James E. “J.J.” Minor III, who also was an interviewer said that “from the beginning of his interim appointment, Rick made a concerted effort to re-engage with the community at all levels. He was intentional in reaching out not just to the NAACP but other organizations to have authentic conversations about hard topics. This is the type of leader we need.”

Dr. William Pelfrey Jr., a Virginia Commonwealth University associate professor who specializes in police issues and also served as an interviewer, called Chief Edwards “the right choice.”

“As a researcher who has studied crime in Richmond and policing in cities across the United States,” Dr. Pelfrey stated that “Chief Edwards combines experience across many of the RPD units, an in-depth knowledge of Richmond and a dedication to success that could not be matched.