BENTON, Ark.- Dorris Cook is the oldest probation officer in the state, and also one of the most loved.
“It gives me something to do, and I enjoy doing it and working with people,” she says.
Cook hasn’t let anything stop her. She’s had two open-heart surgeries and asked the doctor both times how soon she could get back to work.
“My health, it helps and keeps me alive,” Cook says. “That’s the main thing and keeps me busy.”
She’s had seven children and lost two of them. She also lost her husband years ago, but Cook keeps going. She’s an inspiration, to say the least.
“Keep my mind going,” she says. “Better than get one of those minds where you don’t know where you’re at.”
She takes the job seriously.
“If I don’t get it, I have to issue a warrant for them,” Cook explains.
She also hopes to help others.
“Trying to get ’em back on track, I can’t say I do, but I try,” she continues. “I baby them all.”
She loves what she does, and at 89 years old, she doesn’t plan to quit anytime soon.
She’s a Saline County woman with a hard work ethic we can all strive for, and a big heart to make a difference.
“I just enjoy it and enjoy the people,” Cook says.
The Benton District Court celebrated her 89th birthday last week with cake and one of her favorite meals, Kentucky Fried Chicken.
