It is with heavy heart that we share the sad news of the passing of Retired Police Chief James I. Cook on Saturday, October 26, 2019.
Chief Cook joined the Westminster Police Department family in 1988 and retired in2002. Prior to his appointment, he was a retired Captain at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. During his tenure at WPD, Chief Cook was well-regarded for his "blend of practicality and creativity." He founded the first Tri-Agency Resource Gang Enforcement Team (TARGET) Unit at WPD, a gang intervention program which has become nationally recognized. The TARGET Unit created a multidisciplinary approach known as "vertical prosecution" to reduce gang violence. In the early years following its implementation, the TARGET Unit reduced crime by as much as 50%.
In addition to his ingenuity, Chief Cook was known for his active presence at many department and POA events. He was an avid supporter of Baker to Vegas and was integral in establishing WPD's participation in the event which continues to this day.
In 2015,Chief Cook was awarded the Police Cross Award which is presented to members of WPD who, upon their retirement, have demonstrated a career of outstanding individual performance, promoted the good name of WPD throughout the community and beyond, or have significantly advanced the department's operations. Many of Chief Cook's ideas have helped to reduce crime and further community relations in the city.
Chief Cook is survived by his wife, Joy, his children Penelope Stahl of Utah, James Cook of Japan, Michael (Rose) Cook of Arizona, Thomas (Theresa) Cook of California, and step-children Leif Hance and Kari (Shane) Hamilton of Washington State, 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Dollie (Lynn) Rasmussen, Katie Forsman, Mike (Nedra) Cook, and Patrick Cook. He is predeceased by his parents Mary O'Connell and Conrad Cook.
A memorial service will be held in the City of Westminster on Friday,November 22, 2019, at 12:00 noon, at Calvary Chapel Pacific Coast, 6400 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA.