It might be hard to say goodbye to a longtime friend and colleague, but the City of Cedartown did just that when they celebrated Assistant Chief Greg Cooper during the May 2022 city commission meeting this past Monday night.

Cooper, who served with the department for 28 years, decided it was time to give notice in recent weeks and that his long career in law enforcement could come to a close on a positive note.

Want to know more about Greg Cooper? Read the feature the city shared here.

Cooper received praise for long service from City Manager Edward Guzman, who thanked him for the hard work he put in with the department but also the time he spent building up the Cedartown Police Department Explorers Program.

Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome added his own thanks for Cooper being someone he could rely on to be there in good times and bad, and provide advice and counsel to the chief during their many years of service together.

Cooper heads into retirement and said during the Monday night ceremony that he would miss all the friends he has made on the job and was thankful all those who made an impact on him during his career with the CPD.

He also got a special gift: a chainsaw carved bear holding a welcome sign to put on his front porch to greet visitors when he finally gets to settle down post-employment.

Commissioners also provided their praise for the many years of service put in by Cooper during the Monday night proceedings for the monthly meeting.

Polk Today wishes Asst. Chief Cooper best wishes in his retirement, and many thanks for his dedicated years of service in law enforcement and to local youth. -KtE