Elk City, OK – Following the retirement of longtime Elk City Police Chief Eddie Holland, the City of Elk City has officially named John Cook as its new Police Chief.

Cook was sworn in on Dec. 31 and officially began his duties on Jan. 1. He takes over leadership of the Elk City Police Department after Holland stepped down from the role while continuing to work with the city in a different capacity.

Cook brings 28 years of law enforcement experience to the position. His career began in 1998 through a reserve program, followed by more than a decade working for the State of Missouri. In 2011, Cook returned to Oklahoma and joined law enforcement in Elk City.

Originally trained as a biologist, Cook said his path into law enforcement came unexpectedly while working for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. As part of his work in endangered species recovery in McCurtain County, he was cross-trained in law enforcement, discovered a passion for the work, and chose to pursue it full time.

A Granite High School graduate, Cook said returning to western Oklahoma was driven by family. He and his family came back to help care for aging relatives and take over the family farm north of Granite, which recently reached centennial farm status after more than 100 years in the family. Cook continues to farm while serving as police chief.

As he steps into the department’s top role, Cook said residents should expect continuity rather than sweeping change. He plans to make minor adjustments to the department’s organizational structure, with a focus on improving communication throughout the ranks.

“I almost refer to it as a chain of communication instead of a chain of command,” Cook said, emphasizing the importance of information flowing clearly both up and down the department.

Cook said his primary goals include continuing successful programs already in place, particularly the Citizens Police Academy, which he helped develop. He also hopes to expand public engagement and maintain the strong level of community support the department currently enjoys.

The department is also nearing completion of its new police facility. According to Cook, the building itself is essentially finished, with the final step being installation of a Next Generation 911 system. The upgraded system, funded through a government grant, will allow features such as text-to-911 and live video streaming for emergency calls. Installation is currently scheduled for the first two weeks of February, pending coordination with state and federal partners to ensure a seamless transition without any lapse in emergency coverage.

Former chief Eddie Holland is not fully retired and continues to work with the city. Cook said Holland is overseeing opioid abatement initiatives, managing and directing the use of federal funds dedicated to combating opioid-related issues for the benefit of the community.

In addition to Cook’s appointment, the department announced two promotions. Scott Goodman has been promoted to Major and will serve as Assistant Police Chief, while Brad George has been promoted to Captain of Patrol.

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