~ PVN staff report
LURAY, Aug. 28 — On Friday, the Town of Luray announced that the “interim” label had been removed and that Lt. Lonnie W. Foster Jr. would officially become the next chief of police on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
On July 1, Lt. Foster took over the chief position on an “interim” basis 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.
Chief Foster has been with the Luray Police Department for 21 years. The starting annual salary offered for the position was between $80,000 to $85,000, with full benefits, according to the employment ad posted by the Town.
“He steps into this role with the full support of our Mayor, Town Council, Town staff, and especially the men and women of the Luray Police Department who have had the opportunity to serve alongside him,” the Town’s press release states.
After stepping down as police chief, Cook accepted a new role as Assistant Town Manager. The part-time position will include about 29 hours of work per week, with a maximum of 1,500 hours per year. Cook will be paid a maximum of $75,000 per year, with no benefits. When he left the police chief position a few weeks ago, Cook was making about $104,000 annually in salary with another $30,000 in benefits.
Cook replaces Michael Coffelt, who left the position in February. Coffelt was hired in March as the Deputy Director of Public Works for Warren County. Prior to Coffelt, the assistant town manager position was held by current Town Manager Bryan Chrisman for 16 years. Chrisman rose to town manager in February 2024 after the departure of Steve Burke for a position in Manassas.
For more information on the Luray Police Department,
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