The Town of Columbus recognized police chief Chris Beddingfield for recently graduating with a masters in public administration.

Columbus Town Council met Tuesday, June 10 and presented Beddingfield with a certificate recognizing his degree, obtained on May 9 from the University of North Carolina-Pembroke.

Beddingfield graduated on May 9 in a ceremony with 159 graduate students at the university.

Council approved a resolution in Beddingfield’s honor, stating that he has been an outstanding officer and a credit to the Columbus Police Department.

“Whereas, on Friday, May 9, 2014, Chief Beddingfield was awarded the Masters of Public  Administration degree in a graduation ceremony for 159 graduate students held at the University of North Carolina – Pembroke; and whereas, chief Beddingfield has been employed with the Columbus Police Department since August 10, 2007; and whereas, chief Beddingfield has been an outstanding officer and a credit to the Columbus Police Department; and whereas, Chris Beddingfield has gone above and beyond by pursuing a degree by attending classes nights and weekends through the online MPA program,” stated the resolution.