Richard Cook was sworn in as the new chief of the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department Tuesday night.

His wife, Suzanne, placed his badge on his dress uniform as fellow firefighters and family members witnessed the ceremony.

“Chief Richard Cook has served our community for more than two decades and has progressed through the ranks of the fire department,” City Manager Kelly Traynham said. “We couldn’t be more proud to have the internal selection of Chief Cook to the position of chief.”

Traynham said Cook holds several certifications and has served in leadership positions within the Halifax County Firefighters Association. He has also taught firefighter classes. “Chief Cook brings with him many years of experience, especially during the transition time with Assistant Chief of Logistics Kenneth Hollowell.”

City Clerk Traci Storey administered the oath of office to the new fire chief, who takes the place of recently retired Chief Jason Patrick.

Cook thanked Traynham and Human Resources Director Christina Caudle for the confidence they placed in him. “This was really not part of my plan, to be completely honest with you.”

Patrick’s retirement announcement surprised the department, he said. “I would have been fine with him being the fire chief for the rest of my time at the fire department — but that’s not how things worked out.”

He thanked his fellow firefighters for their support, especially noting the help he received from Lieutenant Bryan Hollowell and his crew. “They’ve really helped me out a lot during this time Chief Patrick’s been gone and Kenneth Hollowell and I have been doing double duty.”

He also thanked his wife. “She’s always been supportive of me, and when I went home and talked to her, I explained that this was just another opportunity for me. She was very supportive and said, ‘If this is what you want to do, I support it.’ She’s definitely been the biggest blessing in my life.”

He addressed Patrick, who attended the ceremony. “You left some really big shoes to fill. I don’t know that I’ll ever quite fill them like you did, but I’m going to do my best.”

Cook said he didn’t mind saying, “I’ve had four chiefs in my time at the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department, and Chief Patrick was the best one.”

Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Bryant said, “We look forward to your service with the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department.”

In other matters:

The council approved by a 3-1 vote a special use permit for a duplex to be constructed on .24 acres on Craig Street. Pete Gitto of Gitto Enterprises filed the special use permit, which required a public hearing. Councilman Andy Jackson voted against the measure.

The council heard from Frederick Hill during the public comment portion of the meeting. He told the council he was exploring the possibility of opening a charter school in Roanoke Rapids, as well as the possibility in other areas. No action was taken.