Richard Cook and Kenneth Hollowell will share interim chief duties until a new leader for the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department is selected following the retirement of Chief Jason Patrick.

City Manager Kelly Traynham made the announcement during Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Both veterans of the fire department, Cook serves as assistant chief of operations and Hollowell as assistant chief of prevention. 

“It’s an honor that we’ve been appointed as co-interim (chiefs),” Hollowell said following the meeting. “I think we’re looking forward to working together. We work together every day so this is no different.”

Hollowell said he and Cook are 24-year veterans of the fire department. “I’ve worked with him in all capacities at the fire station.”

“We work together well,” Cook said. “I’m just happy to help out in the transition period. I look forward to pushing the department ahead. I’m hoping everything will go well in the future.”

Traynham said, “Leading a department is a significant responsibility and both of them have full-time obligations already. Due to the nature and complexity of the work and the level of responsibilities because of the administrative functions and the emergency services functions, sharing those responsibilities will help.”

She said the years of leadership between the two also played a factor as well as “just trying to maintain continuity. If one isn’t there the other can be there to help out. I’m not asking them to start doing each other’s jobs. There are certain situations that could come up where it works out well to have the extra assistance to lean on when you’re asking people to step up and fill a role temporarily.”

Meanwhile, Traynham noted in her report to the council that advertising for the position of fire chief is open until filled. The first review of resumes will occur no later than September 26.

In other matters from her report, Traynham said:

The tentative date of opening for Planet Fitness at 1558 Julian R. Allsbrook Highway is October 3 pending remaining inspections

At Stateside Landing at 236 East Littleton Road, temporary power inspections for the community building and building 1 have been completed

Plans for a double drive-thru renovation for Burger King on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway have been received

Revisions are in review for the 7-Eleven store plans at 1479 Julian R. Allsbrook Highway — the former Carolina Barbecue building