Vinton Police Chief Benjamin L. Cook to retire

Courtesy of the Vinton Police Department (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

VINTON (WSLS 10) - Vinton Town Council announced Thursday Police Chief Benjamin L. Cook will retire, effective October 25.

A native of Franklin County, Cook came to the Vinton Police Department in 2001.

Recommended Videos



Officials say he's  retiring after nearly 15 years of service with the Town, the last four years as Chief of Police, completing 30 years of service to the public.

Chief Cook began his career with the Franklin County Sheriff's Department in 1985. He also worked with the Franklin County Department of Public Safety as a Firefighter/Paramedic and a Fire Marshal, and with the Norfolk Southern Railroad Police Department as a Special Agent.

In July 2011, Cook was named as interim Chief at the Vinton Police Department, and then appointed by Council as Chief of Police in December 2011. Officials say Chief Cook also served as the Emergency Services Coordinator for the Town, ensuring the emergency operations plan is up to date and coordinates emergency services functions during critical incidents.

Cook has a bachelor's degree in Public Safety/Criminal Justice from Bluefield College, is a graduate of the Virginia Forensic Science Academy, attended the Professional Executive Leadership School at the University of Richmond, and the Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar sponsored by the FBI.