On October 8, 2026, at 4:21 p.m., the Boone Police Department lost a dear friend, brother, and one of the men who helped shape the history, traditions, and culture of our department, former Chief of Police Robert “Zane” Tester.

Chief Tester faithfully served as Chief of Police from 1986 to 1998 before retiring from law enforcement to answer a higher calling and serve full-time as a local pastor. In total, Zane dedicated more than five decades of his life to serving the citizens of Boone and Watauga County, first through law enforcement and later through his faith and ministry.

Rest Easy Brother. Prayers for his family of blue and blood.🙏🏻

@police_frequency