Unified Police Department Taylorsville Precinct was very well represented at the Salt Lake County Office of the Sheriff Annual Awards Banquet that was held May 19, 2015.

The Chief’s Award - The Chief’s Award is presented to members who distinguish themselves by providing exceptional service or serving in a duty position of great responsibility or of critical importance in the Sherriff’s Office or Unified Police Department.

 Officer Joel Knighton – Chief’s Award

On April 16, 2014, Officer Knighton responded on a missing 59-year-old female. After speaking with family members and learning that the residence had already been searched by family, Officer Knighton could have simply listed the victim as missing and moved on to the next call. Through his experience and intuition, he continued with the investigation until he eventually located the missing person in a secluded crawl space in her home. The victim had been brutally murdered and concealed in the crawl space. These efforts led to the arrest of the suspect as he was attempting to leave the country.

 During 2014, Detective Brett Miller’s dedication, perseverance, and professionalism resulted in the following: 154 arrests, 53 search warrants authored and served, 29 guns seized, 22 stolen cars recovered, $62,566 is U.S. currency seized, 33.84 pounds of methamphetamine seized with a street value of $330,000, 7.68 pounds of heroin seized with a street value of $156,000, 7.95 pounds of marijuana seized with a street value of $13,000 and 29.6 grams of cocaine seized with a street value of $1,000.

This represents a combined narcotics seizure value of over $500,000. Detective Miller’s steadfast pursuit of our community’s most violent career criminals and his dedication to the public safety and  residents of Taylorsville City is to be commended. 

 Office manager Brandy Stephens started her career with the Salt Lake County Sherriff’s Office in 1996. Since that time, Brandy has served in many capacities including dispatch, the metro gang unit, Taylorsville City, and Unified Police Department. 

In addition to her current assignment, Brandy regularly assists department wide with dispatch, PIMS training, BCI training, grant acquisitions and funds management. Brandy’s efficiencies, competency, and department contributions are felt throughout the organization. Brandy is to be commended for her many accomplishments and displayed professionalism.

The Medal of Distinction is awarded to a member who performs a distinguished act of courage involving imminent and serious risk or danger of personal injury for the purpose of saving or protecting human life; or in the course of an extended investigation demanding continuous exposure to grave personal risk, willingly accepts such risk in the service of the Sheriff’s Office or Unified Police Department.

The Citizen’s Service Award may be made for actions which aided Sheriff’s Office or Unified Police Department members or rendered meritorious law enforcement related efforts to the community.

Left to right: (Sheriff James Winder, Taylorsville Council Chair Kristie Overson, Taylorsville Precinct Chief Tracy Wyant, Herriman City Mayor Carmen Freeman and County Council member Jim Bradley)

Pastor Scott Warren exemplified the Citizen Service Award through his selfless contribution to the community and the Unified Police Department. Pastor Warren routinely holds a community breakfast event, whereby he not only invites, but honors members of the UPD, United States military, and Unified Fire Authority for their service. 

Pastor Warren furthers his contributions by ensuring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement, military, and fire protection are discussed with his congregation. Pastor Warren is to be commended for his commitment to the community and the Unified Police Department. 

 Pastor Noah Bater exemplified the Citizen Service Award through his diligent and exhaustive efforts with the community and the Unified Police Department. Every Halloween, Pastor Bater and members of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church congregation sponsor and administer a large “trunk or treat” event. This annual event routinely draws crowds of 800-1000 people. 

The last two years, the UPD has been a sizable participating member. This participation has enhanced relationships with many members of the community, the church, and the UPD.