Linden City Council names new Chief of Police

Published 4:14 pm Wednesday, January 18, 2023

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New Linden Police Chief Cody Cross took his oath of office on Tuesday, January 17.

The Linden City Council named its new Chief of Police at its January 17 meeting. Cody Cross was named the new Linden Police Chief and Sergeant Richard Varner was named as Lieutenant. Cross served as Lieutenant under former police chief Robert Alston, Jr.

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

Linden Mayor Gwendolyn Rogers congratulates Chief Cody Cross on being named Chief of Police.

Also during the meeting, Alston was presented with a proclamation from the City of Linden. The proclamation was presented by Mayor Gwendolyn Rogers as thanks for Alston’s work and dedication to Linden as a member of the Linden Police Department.

Marengo County Sheriff Robert Alston, Jr. was presented with a proclamation from the Linden City Council during its January 17 meeting.

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Alston began his career in law enforcement with LPD in 2003. He worked for the Marengo County Sheriff Office from 2009 to 2011. Alston also took an assignment with the 17th Judicial Drug Task Force in 2011 and in 2012 returned to the LPD as an investigator. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2013, then was later appointed to Chief of Police in 2016.

Alston was elected as Marengo County Sheriff in 2022 and officially took office on January 17, 2023.