Edwin Lashley AppointedChief of SU Police
class=""MsoNormal"">SALISBURY, MD---Newly appointed Salisbury University Police Chief Edwin Lashley is no stranger to the community nor to law enforcement. A Salisbury native, Lashley recently retired as a lieutenant colonel and chief of field operations for the Maryland State Police.
class=""MsoNormal"">Lashley entered law enforcement in 1977 at age 19 after pursuing a much different career: Major League Baseball player. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1975, he played one season in the minor leagues. Upon his release, he joined the state police as a way to fulfill a second career goal, as well as continue his family’s legacy.
class=""MsoNormal"">“I got to realize two career dreams,” he said. “One I just got a taste of, and one I was in for a very long time. I had many family members who were in law enforcement. It’s in my blood.”
class=""MsoNormal"">A 28-year veteran of the state police, Lashley said he was excited about continuing his law enforcement career at the University: “SU is a permanent fixture in Salisbury, a pillar of the community. I had many options, but I wanted to do something close to home that would benefit the community.”
class=""MsoNormal"">Lashley’s supervisor, Greig Mitchell, vice president for administration and finance at SU, said he looked forward to working with the new chief: "Ensuring the security and safety of SU students and employees is of preeminent importance to maintaining an effective learning and teaching environment. I am pleased to have someone of Ed's ability join us to provide leadership in that regard."
class=""MsoNormal"">Lashley said he hoped to strengthen bonds between the SU Police and the community, as well as the campus and local law enforcement agencies. Lashley cited SU’s high academic rankings and added he hoped his department could meet similar high standards in law enforcement: “The police department should share some of that success.”
class=""MsoNormal"">The new chief has personal ties to SU as a former student. His wife, Lisa, is an alumna (1981). His stepson, Kyle Harmon, is a junior at the University.
class=""MsoNormal"">With the state police, Lashley served many roles. Before becoming chief of field operations, he commanded the Special Operations Division, as well as local barracks in Salisbury, Berlin and Princess Anne.
class=""MsoNormal"">He received several awards during his service, including the Maryland State Police Lifesaving Award in 1987, the Superintendent’s Salute in 1995 and the Commanders Award in 2000 for outstanding performance while commanding the Special Operations Division.
class=""MsoNormal"">Lashley is a member of the Maryland Chief of Police and Troopers associations, among other professional organizations. He is a 2000 graduate of the FBI National Academy and a member of the FBI National Academy Associates. He earned his M.S. in management at Wilmington College in 2003. In addition to his wife and stepson, Lashley’s family includes daughter Ryanne and son Edwin. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu. "