Idaho Falls, ID – Holly Cook has joined the Idaho Falls Police Department as the Public Relations and Public Information Officer.  The primary focus of the position is to create an open environment for the flow of information and ideas between the community and the police department. Holly will also serve as a spokesperson and media liaison for the department.

“This department is a close group of incredible people who genuinely value serving our community. We are fortunate to live in a very safe place, which is a credit to the hard work of the Idaho Falls Police Department,” said Holly. “They are truly unsung heroes. I look forward to telling more of their stories.”

Cook is an Eastern Idaho native and a graduate of Hillcrest High School. For most of her early youth, she attended Blackfoot schools, where her father worked as a school administrator. Her mother works for Idaho Falls School District 91. Holly received a scholarship to compete on the college debate team at the College of Idaho in Caldwell, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Economy.

Serving in a communications role for a municipality is familiar for Holly. While serving as a Communications & Research Specialist for the City of Caldwell Mayor’s Office, she launched the city’s social media presence, served as a Deputy Clerk and designed a program for first graders in the community to begin saving for college. She also spent time working at the Idaho Legislature working alongside the city of Caldwell’s lobbyist, Jonathan Parker, who was recently elected Chairman of the Idaho Republican Party.

Holly values engaging with the community. She served as the Chair of the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and on the Advisory Board for Charitable Assistance for the Community’s Homeless (C.A.T.C.H.). She was also a nominee for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2017 Woman of the Year. “Now that I’m back home, I’m looking forward to becoming more involved with organizations here in Idaho Falls,” she said.

Most recently, Holly has been working as a small business owner. She owns Cook Communications & Public Relations, where she worked to promote and develop businesses, nonprofits and managed several political campaigns. She also served in a temporary capacity in Mayor Casper’s office from May through September of this year.

The Idaho Falls Police Department has been operating without an official Public Information Officer for several months.

Chief Bryce Johnson made the decision to hire Holly. “I am very excited to have Holly join the IFPD team. Holly is a really great communicator and will be able to help us develop more relationships within the community, especially through social media platforms which can help connect us with the up and coming generations.”

Holly plans to start increasing community engagement through social media and public outreach. She welcomes local community groups who want to be more involved with the Idaho Falls Police Department to contact her directly at hcook@idahofallsidaho.gov.

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