The Idaho Falls Police Department wishes Capt. Darren Cook a heartfelt thank you and congratulations as he retires following 32 years of law enforcement service.
Cook officially retires from the IFPD today.
“This has been a great career choice,” Cook said. “It’s been fun and you get to make a difference. I’ve been very fortune to work with a lot of great people.”
Cook, a four-year United States Marine Corps Veteran, started his police career at the Shelley Police Department in 1985. He hired on at the IFPD in 1987. Throughout his law enforcement career, peers and supervisors often recognized Cook for his abilities, positive outlook, tenacious spirit, high degree of professionalism, sound decision-making, teamwork and welcomed sense of humor.
His natural leadership abilities and professionalism quickly moved him up through the ranks. Cook was promoted to sergeant in February 2001, lieutenant in December 2006 and captain in December 2007.
Throughout his career, Cook held positions as a patrol officer, narcotics detective, detective, patrol sergeant, narcotic sergeant, patrol lieutenant and patrol captain. He is currently serving as the detectives captain during his career. Over the years, he worked with many local, state and federal agencies on multiple investigations and helped establish the IFPD SWAT team in 1989, which he served with until stepping down in 2016.
Cook has garnered numerous honors, including a Police Officer of the Year award, three Supervisor of the Year awards, three Commander’s Commendations and an Officer of the Month award. He was the recipient of a Purple Heart for sustaining a broken ankle during the apprehension of a suspect in January 1999, the Police Medal for assisting in the rescue of a woman and her baby after their vehicle went into the frozen Snake River in February 2007 and the Life-Saving Award for helping stop a distraught 18-year-old man from jumping off a downtown rooftop in August 2010.
The Idaho Falls Police Department recognizes there will likely never be anyone like Capt. Darren Cook. At no time in his career could anyone doubt he loved and was dedicated to his profession, the challenge of police work and most importantly his colleagues, especially his fellow officers. He’s made a substantial impact upon this department and this community.