By Cletis Steele, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office
Over the past week, Sheriff Wood, members of the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, Price City Police Department, Helper City Police Department, dispatch, fire, rescue, medical and hazmat personnel attended Governor Herbert’s Public Safety Summit in Layton.
During his speech, Governor Herbert stressed that being successful in our communities depends on the collaboration, cooperation and communications of all agencies. It was refreshing to hear the Governor speak on this topic and to know that the agencies in Carbon County are on the same page. It is getting easier to understand how a team with several great members can fail if they do not work together and how an agency with one negative member can poison multiple positive members if permitted.
Sheriff Wood and I were lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend training that included keynote addresses by Chief Michael Anzallo of the Washington DC Police Department, Officer Jermaine Galloway of the Boise Police Department and Lt. Andrew Neiman of the Los Angeles Police Department. We also attended the Public Information Officer class presented by Andrea Dearden who spoke of the rescue of young Hannah Anderson in the Idaho back country, a legislative update, suspicious activity reporting and challenges of water and ice rescue.
Last week, Lt. Justin Sherman, Deputy Zach Palacios, Deputy Casey Alton and Deputy Nathan Hepworth attended and completed five days of EVO (Emergency Vehicle Operations) Training at Camp Williams. This was a stressful but great training for all involved.
On May seventh, we had our monthly employee appreciation luncheon at the Carbon County Jail. The lunch was very successful and had members of several different agencies in attendance.
Carbon County named Detective Rory Bradley employee of the month for his quality work and dedication to specific cases that were assigned to him. Recognition was also given to Sgt. David Brewer, Detective Wally Hendricks, Detective Roger Taylor and Detective Dale Maxfield for the work they do on a daily basis. Our detectives are not only assigned several cases throughout the week but also cover patrol shifts when needed due to vacations and training.
Friday was a very difficult day for Carbon and Emery County residents. The funeral for Kaitlyn Hansen was held. The life celebration of young Kaitlyn was very touching and emotional. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all the families involved including the Jensen family from Wellington.
The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind our residents that on May 12, 2015, the seatbelt law will once again change. Failing to wear a seatbelt will now be a primary stop. If a traffic stop is conducted for solely a seatbelt violation, a warning will be given and documented. Any further incidents could result in a citation.
Graduation is right around the corner as is Memorial Day and summer vacation. There are going to be more vehicles on the road and more people in our community. Remember to keep all of your vehicles locked and valuables out of sight and please buckle op!