by Lorie Lewis Ham
Recently, we interviewed outgoing Reedley Police Chief Joe Garza, so we thought it only fitting to get to know Reedley’s new Police Chief Marc Ediger, who has been with the Reedley Police Department for just over 26 years.
KRL: What are the different positions you have held with the Reedley Police Department over the years?
Chief Ediger: Police Officer, 1998 – 2001, Detective 2001, Patrol Sergeant 2002-2005, Administrative Sergeant 2005-2008, Special Investigations Sergeant 2008-2009, Police Lieutenant 2009-2018, Police Commander 2018-2024, December 2024 Chief.
Chief Marc Ediger
KRL: Are you from Reedley and what schools did you attend?
Chief Ediger: Grew up in and around Reedley, Riverview School through 8th grade, Immanuel High School, graduated in 1988. Fresno Pacific University for 1 year, then Fresno City for 1 year and then decided I had to get to work in the real world. (Brick mason for 7 years). Union University – B.A. In Police Administration.
KRL: When did you first know you wanted to become a police officer and why?
Chief Ediger: I had several friends, and a cousin, who went into law enforcement in their early 20’s. I was a bricklayer at the time and I went on several “ride-alongs” and knew at that point that I wanted to be in law enforcement. My cousin (Jeff Isaac / Fresno County Sheriff’s Deputy) was tragically killed in a car accident while on duty just outside of Reedley in 1997. His death compelled me to take the jump and enter the police academy. I began at the academy in January 1998, graduated from Tulare Kings Police Academy in June 1998.
Chief Ediger being sworn in
KRL: What do you like best about the job?
Chief Ediger: There are so many aspects of this career that have been rewarding over the years. I would have to say the reward that comes with solving a crime, specifically a violent or serious crime, holding the offender accountable and being able to help bring some closure to any victims affected. I feel a huge sense of pride and honor in this career.
KRL: What has been the hardest?
Chief Ediger: Hardest by far in dealing with a specific event would be Minkler, where Officer Bejar was shot and killed in the line of duty. I was on scene that day, as were many of our officers. I had the opportunity to ride with Corporal Bejar to the hospital after he was shot, and I was assigned as the liaison at the hospital for three days to provide support to his family, make agency decisions. I was also assigned as the lead for our department after his death, to help his family with funeral planning. So much emotion involved with everyone from our Department during that time. It taught me a lot about perseverance and leadership.
KRL: What a difficult thing to go through. Do you have a special memory on the job that stands out?
Chief Ediger: So many memories stand out, it’s hard to pick just one. The most recent would have to be my swearing in as Chief of Police. My mom, who almost passed away this past year, was able to pin my badge, along with my son. Definitely one of the proudest moments I have had in my career. I have been through and seen so much with the men and women of this Department. I have a huge sense of pride and an understanding of the responsibility that lies on my shoulders to lead this Department with strength, resilience and compassion. 
KRL: That must have been wonderful. Why did you want to be police chief and why in Reedley? Was this your goal from the start of your career?
Chief Ediger: I would have to say, that I was never one that said- “I want or have to have that top spot.” I have always worked in the capacity in which I was assigned to the best of my ability. I have often reminded myself not to ignore or forget where I am currently at, rather than to focus on what “might be.”
I was fortunate to work under Chief Garza in the Commander role for 13 years. I learned a lot about police administration, personnel, budget, planning and forward thinking. For me, it has always been about the work and putting my best foot forward no matter what my assignment. As the opportunity came forward for the Chief spot, I knew that I had built my toolbox to be the best that it could. In my mind I knew I was ready to take on the role of Chief, and I am very appreciative that our City Manager had faith and trust in me to make the appointment.
KRL: What special skills do you feel you bring to the job?
Chief Ediger: We have a lot of men and women in this Department that have great skills. For me, I believe one of my prevalent qualities would be that I lead by example. I enjoy staying busy and active within the Department, and I often take on tasks that I feel will better this organization, even if they are not in my job description. I have wanted to show others that I am willing to get my “hands dirty”, even though I have been an administrator for 15 years. Another prevalent skill set that I feel has been important for me achieving this leadership role is that I have demonstrated calm under pressure in many critical and high stress incidents.
KRL: Do you feel that Reedley faces any unique challenges?
Chief Ediger: Law enforcement in general is facing a big challenge in the way of recruitment and retention of police officers. For a long period of time there, law enforcement was under a lot of scrutiny, all the way to the top of the Federal government and I feel that it has discouraged a lot of young, talented people in our communities from wanting to enter into a law enforcement career.
Recruitment and retention are our most current challenge at the top of the list. It is my goal to enhance our opportunities and abilities to recruit and to create a Police Department where people want to make their career. As a smaller city, we can’t always compete with the larger salaries from bigger cities. We do have great benefits, and a lot of flexibility when it comes to working with our employees. 
KRL: What are your hopes and goals for the Reedley PD as Chief?
Chief Ediger: My current goal is to promote several people to the Commander and Sergeant roles, to begin building a strong team. As I mentioned, we have a lot of great men and women in this Department, and I want to get them involved. I want to get them excited about the work and our responsibilities to the Reedley community.
I also have a passion for technology. It is one of my goals this year to see what technological advances we can implement this year to reduce staff time, to focus more on the work of public safety.
Thanks so much Chief Ediger for chatting with us today! KRL wishes you the best in your new role.
You can find more Reedley stories in our Reedley News section.
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