Town seeking applicants for chief position at $80-85K starting annual salary
~ PVN staff report
LURAY, July 7 — Late Tuesday afternoon, the Luray Police Department issued a press release announcing that “Lt. Lonnie W. Foster Jr. has been appointed Interim Chief of Police.”
Lt. Foster takes over the position following the recent retirement of former Luray Police Chief Bow Cook, who lead the department for a decade. Cook’s law enforcement career spanned three decades, including stints with the Stanley and Shenandoah police departments, as well as serving as a detective for the Page County Sheriff’s Office.
“Interim Chief Foster will oversee the department’s daily operations during the leadership transition,” Tuesday’s press release states. “The Luray Police Department will continue normal operations and remains committed to providing professional, reliable service to the community throughout this transition.”
“We appreciate the community’s continued support.”
The Town of Luray also posted a job listing on Tuesday “seeking a motivated and experienced individual to serve as Chief of Police. This position serves as the head of the police department and the emergency services coordinator; and is responsible for the leadership, administration, and overall operation of the department. The Chief of Police works closely with the Town Manager, Mayor, and Town Council to ensure the effective delivery of public safety services to the community.”
The starting annual salary being offered for the position is between $80,000 to $85,000, with full benefits.
“The Town …intends to select the candidate that best meets the needs of the Town and the needs of position offered. The position is 100% on-site presence – no remote work,” the job listing states.
Benefits include membership in the Virginia Retirement System, and state Anthem Health Insurance, with medical, pharmacy, vision, and dental included. Life and health insurance benefits are valued at approximately $30,000 annually. The Town offers a competitive compensation package including paid leave and paid holidays.
“The ideal candidate will be actively employed in law enforcement in a certified capacity and have an extensive (15+ years) law enforcement career with progressive experience and rank. Candidates need to have significant supervisory law enforcement experience at the rank of Lieutenant or higher with at least five (5) years of service in that rank,” the job listing contines.
“The preferred candidate will live in the Town of Luray or within Page County. Knowledge of the Town of Luray, its citizens, organizations, community needs, and the surrounding Page County area is strongly preferred. Candidates must also possess knowledge of modern-day law enforcement practices, community policing strategies, criminal law, and departmental administration.”
Applications will be accepted through July 31, 2026, at 5 p.m. No timeline has been given for a potential hire.
Candidates may submit a Town police department employment application, resume, and references to the Town Manager via email at bchrisman@townofluray.com or deliver a copy to the Town Office at 45 East Main Street, Luray, VA 22835. The police department application form and a full job description are available at the Town Office or can be found on our website at www.townofluray.com.
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