Cook retires after 30 years with Sheriff’s Office

Friends, family, and law enforcement colleagues gathered at 940 Outdoor and Co. on Sunday, Aug. 9, to celebrate the retirement of Marshall County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Col. David Cook after three decades of service.

Cook, who was one of the first individuals hired when Marshall County Sheriff Kenny Dickerson took office, concluded a 30-year career where he rose through the ranks to lead the agency’s patrol division.

Dickerson recalled the early days of Cook’s employment, noting that the department was operating with limited resources at the time.

“The time I hired him, we didn’t have but three or four deputies,” Dickerson said. “Since then, he’s been with me ever since then, worked his way up as head of the patrol division.”

Dickerson shared a lighthearted story about how Cook came to join the department from the volunteer fire service in Potts Camp, recalling a recommendation from a mutual friend.

“A mutual friend recommended him because he was good at driving at high speeds,” Dickerson jokes. “It was a joke, but he used to drive fast. But that’s how we met and I hired him.”

Reflecting on his entry into public service, Cook noted that his career start in the fire service was driven by a desire to assist the community.

“Mom and Dad raised me to have a servant’s heart,” Cook said. “I just wanted to be able to give back to my community and help as many people as possible.”

Cook described significant changes within the department over his 30-year tenure, particularly regarding technological advancements and personnel growth.

“Early on, we were extremely busy, we were short-handed,” Cook said. “Our manpower has increased, and it’s really great to be able to brag on how far the department has come. We’ve increased our numbers tenfold from 1996 and 1997.”

Cook noted that when he first started, deputies did not have cell phones or computers and had to share a single camera. Today, the vehicles are equipped with laptop computers and modern technology. Cook also praised the department’s low crime rate and its relationship with the Marshall County community.

As head of the patrol division, Cook’s responsibilities spanned multiple facets of the department, including aviation, animal control, court logistics, and transportation.

When asked what advice he would offer to new deputies joining the department, Cook emphasized the importance of fundamental values.

“Common sense,” Cook said. “You can be fair and firm. We use good common sense and treat people as well as you want to be treated.”

Looking ahead to retirement, Cook said he plans to focus on his family, acknowledging the demanding schedule required by a career in law enforcement.

“I’m going to love on my family a lot more than I have in the past,” Cook said. “I missed a lot with my family so other people could be safe with theirs.”

Dickerson expressed his appreciation for Cook’s long-standing dedication, noting he had hoped to convince him to stay even longer.

“I tried to get him to stay on like me, 55 years,” Dickerson joked. “He didn’t want no part of that.”