The city of Smyrna is mourning the loss of a former chief credited with bringing its police department into the modern era.
Stanley Hook, who served as police chief from December 1989 until December 2012, died Tuesday, the police department and city confirmed. Hook, 80, had been in declining health for some time, said Smyrna’s deputy police chief Robert Harvey.
“For me, I’m devastated, but I know that we had a great relationship and I certainly appreciate that and respect that,” Harvey said.
Harvey said Hook came to Cobb County after serving more than 20 years with the New York State Police. City spokeswoman Jennifer Bennett said Hook spent 50 years in law enforcement. Smyrna Mayor Max Bacon was in his first term as mayor when Hook was hired. Bacon said the chief was “the No. 1 guy” recommended by the civil service board.
“It wasn’t five minutes into the interview with [me] and the council when we unanimously said this was the guy,” Bacon said.
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Bacon also said Hook was so well liked in the community that the chief jokingly told him that he was not the most popular man in Smyrna.
“And I believed him,” Bacon said. “He was liked by everyone. Even though he was a ‘yankee,’ he had this demeanor about him that was very well respected.”
Harvey said Hook helped Smyrna adjust to the movement towards community policing that law enforcement agencies began adopting in the early 1990s. This new way of thinking, Harvey said, encouraged officers to focus on traffic enforcement. Hook promoted the use of child safety seats and implored motorists to wear seat belts. Hook also created units within the department to allow the agency to educate and work with the community to “get their mind set around the thought of driving safely.”
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The deputy chief also said Hook was instrumental in upgrading the department’s vehicles and equipment, including allowing officers to transition from using revolvers to semi-automatic pistols.
Harvey said the former police chief brought an expertise to the Smyrna Police Department that helped the agency gain the respect of its neighbors and the state. He also said Hook had high expectations for his employees and often served as a father figure to the men and women of the police force.
“I’ll always be in his family’s debt for that wisdom he brought to bear,” the deputy chief said.
Smyrna police spokesman Sgt. Louis Defense said Hook is survived by his wife, Patti; his two daughters, Joanne and Amanda, and other family members.
Visitation is scheduled for 2-6 p.m. Sunday, July 28 at Carmichael Funeral Home at 2950 King Street in Smyrna. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 29 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church at 4300 King Springs Road in Smyrna.
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