After 23 years with the Selma Police Department, Police Chief Richard Cooper will be retiring on August 31. In 1995, Cooper left this job in the grocery store industry and took a $23,000 pay cut to join the police force. He worked his way up the ranks and in December 2013 was named chief of police.
As Selma’s top cop numerous improvements have been made to the department including a new uniform, a decreased in the turnover rate, and having 100 percent of all officers complete Crisis Intervention Training.
On Aug. 14th, the Selma Town Council honored Chief Cooper. Accompanied by his wife, Tammy, and his two children, Chief Cooper accepted a plaque thanking him for his service.
The council also awarded him his badge and his service weapon as retirement gifts.
Selma Mayor Cheryl Oliver read the proclamation and presented the plaque to Chief Cooper.
“It was an honor and pleasure to serve the citizens of Selma,” Chief Cooper said after the presentation. “I’ve worked for the Town of Selma my whole law enforcement career. I hope I made a difference.”
