Edwardsville Swears In New Police Chief, Welcomes New Firefighter
Edwardsville Police mark promotions including new chief; Fire Department welcomes new firefighter and radio upgrades.
EDWARDSVILLE – The new chief of the Edwardsville Police Department has officially been sworn in.
The Edwardsville City Council meeting on Oct. 20, 2026 marked an eventful evening for the city’s Police and Fire Departments, seeing the new police chief, two newly promoted officers and a probationary firefighter each take their oaths of office.
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Michael Lybarger was sworn in as the new chief of police. Lybarger, who previously served as deputy chief, steps into his new role leading the department previously led by former chief Michael Fillback. The former chief held the position for over five years after being appointed in 2021 and celebrated a retirement send-off earlier this month.
Also at the meeting, Police Lieutenant Charles Kohlberg was promoted to deputy chief of police, while Sergeant Jacob Germann was promoted to police lieutenant. Jacob Milton also took his oath of office as a probationary firefighter.
In addition to a new firefighter, the Edwardsville Fire Department will also gain new radios with the city’s approval.
City Council members unanimously approved the purchase of various new radios for the Edwardsville Fire Department. These include three Motorola APX 8000 portable radios for $29,657.91, four Kenwood Viking VM8000 dual head mobile radios for $37,761 and four Kenwood Viking VP8000 portable radios for $24,796.
Alderwoman Jennifer Warren said these purchases will ensure the department’s radios are compatible with the Madison County 911 emergency communications system.
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