Spotlight on Volunteers – Ed Kiyler

 Planning and Zoning Commissioner Ed Kiyler Encourages Community Volunteerism

 Planning and Zoning Commissioner Ed Kiyler believes there are a lot of people in Cottonwood who have knowledge and experience that would make good city volunteers. “Volunteering may not be for everybody,” he explains, “But we have a lot of people with time on their hands that could be an asset. It’s hard to describe the good feeling you get volunteering in the community.”

 Kiyler also serves on the City of Cottonwood Personnel Board. A long career in law enforcement and security made him an excellent candidate to serve on the interview committee for Cottonwood’s new police chief.  Kiyler grew up in Phoenix and served on the Phoenix Police Department for 20 years. Three years after retirement, he went to work for the Arizona Lottery in 1981. “I started as an investigator and ended up as director of security and operations,” Kiyler says. “It was a fun place to work. People were always coming in to collect their lottery winnings.”  

Living in a recreational vehicle and traveling around the United States for a year after retiring from the Lottery, Kiyler was looking for a place to settle down, and Cottonwood caught his eye. In 1999 he purchased a lot in Del Webb’s Cottonwood Ranch, moving here in 2002. Kiyler grew up in Phoenix and has four children, nine grandchildren and two great grandkids living in Arizona. Two pet dogs round out his family. Kiyler’s wish list includes a dog park for community members.

 A hobby of collecting die cast model cars and trucks keeps Kiyler busy when he’s not volunteering or walking his dogs. His collection includes replicas of police cars from all over the country.

 The biggest challenge facing the community of Cottonwood includes attracting premiere businesses, Kiyler says. “Home Depot and Lowes are good businesses. We need to be sure that the growth of the city of Cottonwood is properly managed. I’d like to see Cottonwood keep its small town atmosphere." He thinks the city has done an excellent job with Riverfront Park. He also likes the Police Department’s Citizens’ Academy and feels the volunteers are a plus for the department.

  “My mother taught me that if you give what you can, you’ll get back twice as much, and she was absolutely right,” Kiyler says.

Spotlight on Volunteers is written by Diane Joens on behalf of the Cottonwood City Council. Council members recognize the invaluable contributions volunteers make to the betterment of city government and the community. There are many opportunities to volunteer and make a positive difference. Council members encourage everyone to get involved. Volunteer today!