Woods Cross police chief placed on administrative leave last month
Aug 15, 2023, 4:36 PM
Kathleen Soffe and her husband, Chad Soffe, left, with the Fraternal Order of Police, speak to lawmakers in 2010, protesting the then-imminent changes to the public safety retirement program. (File photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
(File photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
WOODS CROSS, Utah — The police chief of Woods Cross has been placed on administrative leave, city leaders confirmed Tuesday, but they did not say why.
However, a social media post shared several days earlier by Woods Cross Police Chief Chad Soffe seemed to indicate he planned to leave law enforcement altogether.
“I started my police service in 1979 as a Murray Police cadet,” he wrote. “44 years later, 37 full time years [sic] it’s time to call it. When you know, you will know. A big thanks to all the officers I met and worked with along the way. I will pray for your continued safety as you serve. God Bless.”
Soffe’s post did not confirm the manner of his departure.
Woods Cross officials confirm police chief’s leave
In a statement confirming his administrative leave, Woods Cross City Administrator Bryce Haderlie said the “City does not comment on personnel issues related to its employees, other than to confirm employment status, to ensure that employees’ rights are protected.”
The statement indicated Soffe’s leave took effect nearly three weeks ago, on July 27.
Scott Buchanan, a former deputy chief in the West Valley City police department, will serve as interim police chief of Woods Cross.
Soffe is no stranger to controversy. In 2019, he publicly apologized to a family after one of his officers pulled a gun on a child, mistaking the 10-year-old for an armed suspect, while also standing by his officer.
Then in 2021, the department fired an officer accused of firing shots at a fleeing vehicle. Additionally, Soffe has been vocal in the past on issues around law enforcement pay and benefits, speaking multiple times before legislative committees on the topic.
Prior to serving as Woods Cross police chief, Soffe served as police chief of Garland, Utah. His LinkedIn profile features an update from last week indicating he plans to seek other employment.
