Now that graduations are over, students have said their goodbyes and the hallways are empty, School Resource Deputy Mitch Cook is ready to retire.
Deputy Cook is retiring from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) after completing an outstanding 30-year career in law enforcement.
Deputy Cook started working for CCSO on August 3, 1989, as a Deputy Sheriff assigned to the Patrol Division. Throughout Deputy Cook’s career, he served the agency as a K9 Deputy, a detective, a bailiff, a corporal, a Field Training Officer and lastly, Deputy Cook ends his career as a School Resource Deputy at Citrus High School.
“We are grateful to Deputy Cook for his many years of service to the citizens of Citrus County,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “His continued devotion to mentoring the youth of our community through the School Resource Deputy program will be sincerely missed. We wish him a healthy and very happy retirement.”
During Deputy Cook’s career, he received numerous accolades for his integral roles in cases such as the 1998 arrest of counterfeiter Tom Fox and for his role as a courtroom bailiff during the emotional Jessica Lunsford murder trial of John Couey. Please join us in congratulating Deputy Cook on his dedicated career and wishing him a long, healthy, and happy retirement.