Heber police chief returns to work after independent review

HEBER, Utah — Heber City’s police chief returned from administrative leave after an independent review. The city’s mayor, Kelleen Potter, in a statement Monday called the claims against Police Chief Dave Booth, “baseless and without merit”.

Booth has been cleared of allegations and returned to work. 

Heber City police chief investigated 

Booth was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation in July. An internal complaint against Booth initiated the independent review by the Utah Department of Public Safety and Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office.

Details about the nature of the complaint have not been released. Potter announced the independent review in July but did not specify what the complaint was or how long Booth had been on administrative leave. 

According to KSL TV, following the announcement in July, Potter “emphasized that all complaints are taken seriously but the chief had never given a reason to question his competency and performance.”

Independent investigation findings

Potter said in a statement Monday, “He has earned admiration throughout Heber City and the Heber Valley as a competent, compassionate leader and is a substantive and contributing citizen. We are grateful for his contributions, both past and forthcoming.”

The mayor added it was a privilege to have independent resources available to conduct an unbiased investigation. 

Booth has served the public for more than thirty years in the Vernal, Park City, Summit County and Heber Valley communities. He was also the recipient of the 2019 Chief of the Year Award by the Utah Chiefs Association and has been Heber City’s police chief since 2012.

“He has earned admiration throughout Heber City and the Heber Valley as a competent, compassionate leader and is a substantive and contributing citizen. We are grateful for his contributions, both past and forthcoming,” Potter concluded in the statement.