West Point’s new police chief is anything but new when it comes to law enforcement in his hometown.
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Tuesday to hire Clay County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Avery Cook for the post. Cook will succeed former chief Tim Brinkley, who served from 2011 until he retired in July.
Cook, 54, began his police career with West Point Police Department in 2000. During his time with the department, he served as a shift supervisor and as assistant chief under Brinkley and former chief Bobby Lane. In 2013, he went to work with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, where he serves as an investigator and commander of the patrol division.
“To come back to the police department where I started my career to serve this community and with the support of the board is a great honor,” Cook said. “It’s not something I take lightly. I look forward to working with the people of this community and the board of selectmen.”
Mayor Robbie Robinson said he’s happy to have Cook serving as the city’s new police chief. Cook’s start date is still to be determined.
“We’re looking forward to working with him and keeping West Point as one of the top 10 safest cities in Mississippi,” Robinson said.
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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