City of Linden names Richard Varner as new Chief of Police

The City Linden has a new police chief in Richard Varner, who was voted in during the Aug. 15 council meeting. Varner served as Lieutenant under former Chief Cody Cross, and served as a Sergeant under now Sheriff Robert Alston, Jr.

Varner took his oath of office during the meeting and was sworn in by City Attorney Woody Dinning, Jr.

Mayor Gwendolyn Rogers said that Varner had done an “exceptional” job as interim police chief, and fully supported his promotion to chief. Varner has been serving as the interim chief since former Chief Cody Cross left the position in July.

Varner has been in law enforcement for fourteen years and came to Linden from York in 2013. He was inspired to enter law enforcement by friends who also worked in the field.