The city of Leeds will begin searching for a new police chief.

Current Leeds Police Chief Ted Cook announced last week that he has accepted the police chief position with the city of Mountain Brook. The Mountain Brook city council voted to approve Cook as their police chief during a council meeting there Monday night.

Cook has served with the Leeds Police Department since 2006. He was promoted from the position of lieutenant to police chief in 2007 after former police chief Mike Walker accepted a position in Gardendale.

Leeds Mayor Eric Patterson said the city is reviewing its options in beginning a search for Cook’s replacement.

“We are looking at all of our options. We want to find the best possible fit for our city. Each city is unique and we want to find somebody who is able to tackle the issues we face,” Patterson said.

Among those options, Patterson said, could be the formation of a search committee. The Jefferson County Personnel Board would provide candidates for the position.

“It’s going to be a tough decision. Leeds’ diversity, its proximity to a metropolitan city and a major interstate brings unique problems. Our top priority is finding a candidate who can deal with those issues,” the mayor said.

Patterson said he appreciated Cook’s service to the city.

“Chief Cook was a great ambassador for our city,” he said. “Of course, we respect anyone’s right to do what is best for them and their families and this is a great opportunity for him. We hate to see him leave.”