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After 27 Years of Service, Jeremy Haywood Becomes Columbia’s New Police Chief

Issue #619

December 02, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Weather - Cloudy w/ high of 36, low of 20

📰 After 27 Years of Service, Jeremy Haywood Becomes Columbia’s New Police Chief

🗓 List of Upcoming Events - There’s Lots To Do! 🎄

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

After 27 Years of Service, Jeremy Haywood Becomes Columbia’s New Police Chief

From the City of Columbia’s post…

The City of Columbia is proud to announce the promotion of Assistant Chief of Police Jeremy Haywood to Chief of the Columbia Police Department, effective January 10, 2026. A second-generation law enforcement officer born and raised in Columbia, Chief Haywood brings a lifetime of connection to the department, a distinguished 27-year career, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

Current Police Chief Jeremy Alsup has served the citizens of Columbia for 29 years, beginning his distinguished career in public safety in 1997. He has spent the past six years as Chief of Police and will be retiring at the beginning of the new year. The City of Columbia extends its sincere appreciation to Chief Alsup for his dedicated service, steady leadership, and lasting contributions to the community. Assistant Chief Jeremy Haywood will assume the role of Chief of Police following Chief Alsup’s retirement.

Chief Haywood’s ties to the Columbia Police Department began in 1983, when, at just eight years old, he first walked into the Police Department alongside his father, Bobby Joe Haywood, who retired as a CPD lieutenant in 2009. From an early age, he frequently accompanied his father to the department whenever possible and looked up to him as a role model, sparking his desire to follow in his footsteps.

That early inspiration led Haywood to join the department as an Explorer in 1992 at age 15. As soon as he met the minimum age requirement, he applied to become a police officer and officially began his career with CPD in December 1998. He has since risen steadily through the ranks, serving as Police Sergeant, Criminal Investigations Lieutenant, Captain of Patrol, and most recently, Assistant Chief.

“It is an incredible honor to continue serving the city I’ve called home throughout my career,” said incoming Chief Jeremy Haywood. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to leading the department with integrity, accountability, and a continued focus on strengthening the partnership between our officers and the community we serve.”

Former Police Chief Jeremy Alsup, who worked closely with Haywood for many years, offered his support for the incoming Chief.

“Chief Haywood is an exceptional leader whose dedication to this community is unwavering,” Alsup said. “His experience, steady leadership style, and genuine concern for the well-being of both our officers and residents make him the right person to guide the department into its next chapter.”

Chief Haywood holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Southwestern University (2009) and a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Bethel University (2019). In addition to his academic achievements, he has completed extensive leadership training, including the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA) Trilogy Certification (2019) and the Southeastern Command Leadership Academy (SECLA) hosted by UTC (2008).

During his nearly three decades with the department, Haywood has played a pivotal role in advancing departmental initiatives, strengthening community relationships, and providing steady, trusted leadership during times of crisis.

City Manager Tony Massey expressed his confidence in Haywood’s leadership.

“Chief Haywood has earned the respect of his peers, his department, and this community through decades of exceptional service,” Massey said. “He also carries forward a proud family legacy at the Columbia Police Department, following in the footsteps of his father, retired Lt. Bobby Joe Haywood, who served the city for over 25 years. Chief Haywood’s professionalism, experience, and strong leadership abilities make him well-prepared to take on the responsibility of leading the Columbia Police Department.”

As Chief of Police, Haywood will oversee all operations of the Columbia Police Department and lead the city’s law enforcement efforts in protecting, serving, educating, and engaging the community. He will work closely with city officials, department personnel, and community stakeholders to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all residents and visitors.

Throughout his career, Chief Haywood has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a steady command presence, and a strong ability to manage complex situations with clarity and compassion. As he assumes his new role, the City of Columbia is confident in his ability to guide the department with integrity, skill, and a steadfast commitment to public safety.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, December 2nd

Wednesday, December 3rd

Thursday, December 4th

Friday, December 5th

Saturday, December 6th

Sunday, December 7th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, December 2

Songwriters Round – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6–9 PM

Wednesday, December 3

Mark Box – Graymere Country Club, 5–8 PM

Thursday, December 4

Todd Ciprian – Tito’s Spring Hill, 6–9 PM
Emily Otteson – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, December 5

Joanna Yaeger – Graymere Country Club, 5–8 PM
Chief Smiley Ricks & the C-Town Specials – Daniel’s Barbershop on the Square – 6–8 PM
Merchants of Cool Big Band – Memorial Building, 7–9 PM
Rory Feek – Homestead Hall, 7 PM
Beatles4Sale – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Tommy Wheatley – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Mad Dog Smith & Animal Control – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
The Sounds of Sinatra – The Mulehouse, 8 PM
5x5 – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, December 6

Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
The Isaacs – Homestead Hall, 7–9 PM
Song Writers Round – Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Kenny & Bob – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Reba’s Hairdo – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM
The Wentzel Brothers Band – Embers Bar & Grill, 9:00 - 11:45 PM

Sunday, December 7

Maury County Community Band – CSCC Ledbetter Auditorium, 3 PM

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