Russ Cook, who was Golden’s police chief for 15 years before becoming Jefferson County sheriff in 2003, was found dead Friday morning in his south Jefferson County home.
Deputies went to Cook’s home after a family member asked for a welfare check. Cook had not been seen or heard from for several days.
Sheriff’s spokesman Jim Shires said Cook’s body was on the floor. There were no apparent signs of foul play.
The Jefferson County coroner’s office is investigating Cook’s death.
Cook, 59, had battled alcoholism for years. He admitted he was an alcoholic and resigned as sheriff six months after he was sworn in.
“If I don’t deal with this successfully, I will be dead,” Cook told a Denver Post reporter at the time.
Current Sheriff Ted Mink, who was Cook’s undersheriff and took over when Cook resigned, was described by associates as too upset to comment.
“It’s really sad, just so extremely sad for somebody of his caliber,” said Angie D’Aurio, manager of Cook’s sheriff’s campaign.
U.S. Attorney Troy Eid, who nominated Cook for sheriff at the GOP county assembly, said in a statement: “Russ Cook dreamed of being Jefferson County sheriff, and it was heartbreaking to watch him drink that dream away.”
Eid said Cook’s family “can perhaps take some comfort in his years of dedicated public service.”
Cook entered inpatient treatment soon after becoming sheriff. He agreed to resign after a group of elected officials confronted him. “I’ve thrown away my dream of being sheriff,” Cook said. “I’m a normal guy who stumbled and kept stumbling.”
Cook said last year that he was doing well and was making investments on the Internet.
In January, Cook was arrested for allegedly e-mailing a former girlfriend in violation of a restraining order.
Cook served 14 years with the Lakewood Police Department before becoming Golden’s police chief in 1988.
“Despite his recent troubles, Russ had a significant impact on the city of Golden and was responsible for bringing a new level of professionalism to the police department,” said Golden City Manager Mike Bestor.
Bill Kilpatrick, who succeeded Cook as Golden’s chief, met Cook in 1976 when he interned under him in Lakewood and joined the Golden department in part because of Cook.
“He was a great man and a great chief,” Kilpatrick said, crediting Cook with bringing the Golden department into the 20th century through changes in attitude, training, equipment and personnel.
Cook is survived by his two sons and his ex-wife. No funeral plans have been announced.
Ann Schrader: 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com
