Community & Business
3 April, 2025
Farewell ‘Cookie’
The Oakey Police community has farewelled retiring Sergeant John Cook after almost 25 years of service to the Oakey district.
After over 40 years in the job and 24 years in Oakey, John Cook’s career as a Queensland Police Service sergeant was farewelled in a private function at the Oakey RSL Club last Saturday.
Surrounded by his family, mates, and colleagues from his academy days in Brisbane to his first permanent post in Rockhampton and final stint in Oakey, celebrations and stories were shared about the illustrious career of a man who was well known by most of the district.
Toowoomba Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Kim Hill attended the gathering to present Sgt Cook with his Certificate of Service on behalf of the Police Commissioner, which included all of Sgt Cook’s awards granted, ranks, and stations posted.
Two of Sgt Cook’s children, Joe and Jess, gave moving speeches about the family life of a 40-year QPS sergeant.
They mentioned the late nights and early mornings but also reflected to the lighter side of being a country cop, such as the unofficial claim to Oakey’s “most famous person.”
Condamine MP Pat Weir was also in attendance to congratulate Sgt Cook, highlighting ‘Cookie’ (as he was affectionately and begrudgingly known) and his commitment and involvement with the local schools and countless community organisations in his 24 years in Oakey.
Sgt Cook graduated from the Queensland Police Academy on 5 July 1984 before being stationed in Rockhampton for five years, Petrie for three years, Pomona for four years, Moura for five years, and finally Oakey for 24 years.
His most notable awards granted include the National Medal in 1999 with 2nd Clasp awarded in 2020, Queensland Police Service Medal with 15 Year Clasp in 2001 and finishing with 40 Year Clasp in 2023, National Police Service Medal in 2013, QPS Triple Citation (150 Years, 2010-2011 Flood and Cyclone and G20) in 2011, 2014 and 2016, XXI Commonwealth Games Citation in 2019, and Queensland Police Emergency Response Medal with a COVID-19 Clasp in 2024.
