Gov. Cox swears in a new type of law enforcement officer
Jan 13, 2025, 4:00 PM | Updated: 6:16 pm
Members of the newly created DNR Division of Law Enforcement salute during the posting of the colors as they attend their swearing in ceremony with Gov. Spencer J. Cox at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday January 13, 2025. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Spencer Cox swore in more than 140 new law enforcement officers on Monday. They’ll all be working for the new Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement.
Created by the Utah Legislature in 2024, this new group of officers consolidates other departments. Gov. Cox said this new division was recommended in four previous audits. It is intended to make law enforcement in the back country and on Utah’s waterways more efficient.
Related: Utah Division of Natural Resources wants to combine police agencies
Before he swore in the new officers, Gov. Cox took a moment to say thanks.
(Greg Anderson, KSL TV)
“I just want to thank your families, your spouses, your kids, your significant others, the people that you spend time with because these jobs are a sacrifice and it’s a sacrifice for them too.”
Gov. Cox said this new division was recommended in four previous audits as a way of making law enforcement in the back-country and on the water-ways more efficient.
“Protecting these resources is paramount. It is one of the duties of government to protect our natural resources and make sure that they survive for generations to come.”
Unique nature of new law enforcement team
Joel Ferry, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, discussed the unique nature of the work the new team will conduct.
(Greg Anderson, KSL TV)
“It’s not for everybody, it’s not for the faint of heart to be out in the wild alone protecting and standing up for these resources of Utah,” Ferry said.
“For the people of Utah this a big challenge, and we appreciate the work that you do.”
Building on the shoulders of others
Law Enforcement Director Todd Royce said the new team is building on the work of past officers and leaders.
“Want to just comment real quick on this being a new chapter. It’s not new. It’s a new chapter in the Department of Natural Resources. Law enforcement.”
(Greg Anderson, KSL TV)
