‘He was incredible for the people of Columbus’: City mourns loss of their police chief

COLUMBUS, Kan. — The City of Columbus is mourning the death of not just one of their own, but also their police chief for the last ten years. Jason Daniels passed away Wednesday (5/8) after a battle with colon cancer. He was 49.

Today, Columbus City Administrator, Jake Letner spoke about his long-time friend and colleague. Letner recalled his friend’s love for his wife and three children, and the town he grew up in. Letner commented on Daniels’ career in law enforcement for the City of Columbus.

“He Dedicated his professional life to keeping our community safe. He did a fantastic job of running his department and developing leaders. He really cared about the people that worked for him and was always willing to do whatever was necessary to keep his city safe.”

Jake Letner, Columbus City Administrator

20 years ago, Daniels joined the Columbus Police Department as an officer. In 2014, Daniels became the city’s police chief. Letner says the only thing Daniels loved more than his career, was his family.

“He was a good man. He was an honest man. He was a family man. He was a man of integrity and honesty who adored his wife and three kids.”

Jake Letner, Columbus City Administrator

Speaking on behalf of the City of Columbus, Letner continued by saying, “On behalf of the entire city staff and the entire community, we’re so sorry that this happened. Our hearts, our prayers, and our thoughts are with the family in their time of grief.”

Several benefits are now planned for the family of Jason Daniels. All proceeds from those benefits will go to the Daniels family. If you’d like to make a private donation, an account has been set up at Commerce Bank in Columbus.

Benefit Dinner & Silent Auction

Tuesday, May 21 — Columbus 4H Building

Benefit Car Show & Silent Auction

Saturday, June 1 — Columbus American Legion Fairgrounds

Benefit Cornhole Tournament

Saturday, June 15 — Red Iron Activity Center

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.