Quinlan steps down as Columbus police chief at Mayor Ginther's request According to an internal department memo obtained by 10TV, Quinlan will stay with the department as deputy chief. Author: 10TV Web Staff Updated: 11:27 PM EST January 28, 2021 COLUMBUS, Ohio — Thomas Quinlan has agreed to be demoted from the position of Columbus Police Chief, at the request of Mayor Andrew Ginther. In an emailed statement, Ginther said, "It became clear to me that Chief Quinlan could not successfully implement the reform and change I expect and that the community demands." Ginther went on to say he felt people who live in Columbus lost faith in Quinlan and the police department's "ability to change on its own."