Former Columbia Police Chief Paul Cheavens died yesterday.
A press release states Chief Cheavens was hired to Columbia Police force in 1950 and was promoted to Chief in 1954. He served for 21 years, making him the longest serving police chief in the City of Columbia.
After retiring in 1975, Cheavens continued involvement in the Columbia Police Department and spoke just two months ago at a retirees reception.
Cheavens was 88 years old.