Third Quarter 2023
October 25, 2023
Trooper McInelly, Beaver County
I was driving on I15 from Provo to St. George on October 14th. I was unaware I was driving with expired tags. I can only blame it on age and how fast time passes now! Trooper McInelly spotted my expired tags and pulled me over. Being unaware of my tags and not speeding, it took me a while to figure out he was actually following me. When I finally pulled over he approached my car with a very pleasant and professional demeanor. Even after my delay in stopping for him. I was surprised when he told me my tags were expired, but I quickly remembered a year had passed and they are due. I was very nervous. Trooper McInelly was kind throughout the encounter giving me a warning. When I arrived in St. George I renewed my plates. I just wanted to take a moment to let you know the positive experience I had with UHP. As a law abiding citizen who simply made a mistake I appreciate being treated in that manner.” – D. Main
September 23, 2023
Trooper Reynolds, Utah County
Yesterday, Sept 23, I had a situation in which I was helped by Trooper Roger Reynolds from your Orem office. He handled the situation in such a helpful and professional matter that I feel compelled to write to you to express my appreciation. My daughter-in-law had a flat tire about 1:00 p.m. on I-15 about a mile north of the Lehi Main Street northbound on-ramp. I was also on I-15 a few miles ahead of her near the Bangerter exit, heading to the same kids’ baseball game in South Jordan as she was, and she called me to ask for help. She explained that the spot she had stopped was very tight with a very tight shoulder and a Jersey barrier making it very hazardous to try to change the tire on the rear driver side. I told her I would drive back to help, but that she should call the highway patrol for help as I was driving back to help her. When I got back to her location I could see how hazardous the location was and decided quickly that there was no way the tire could be changed there safely. I told her and her son — my grandson — to get in my car with my wife and they should head to the ball game while I waited with her van for help. As they left I climbed over the Jersey barrier to stand between it and the sound wall which made me feel much safer while I waited. A few minutes later Trooper Reynolds drove up. He rolled down his passenger side window so I could talk with him from behind the barrier. He told me that because of the narrowness of the shoulder and the heavy traffic it would not be safe to change the tire in that location, so I had two options: he would follow me with his lights I as I drove to the next exit (about 1.5 miles away) and I could change the tire on a wider shoulder, or he could call a tow truck for me. I knew he was right and told him I would appreciate him following me to the next exit, which we did. When we got to the Lehi 2100 North exit, I pulled off the pavement onto the shoulder. I got out to thank the trooper and he told me he would help me change the tire. I thought I could easily change the tire myself, but being 70 years old I really appreciated the offer and told him I would take him up on it. Since it was my son and daughter-in-law’s van, I had no idea where the spare tire compartment and tools were located, but Trooper Reynolds said he had seen this model of van before and knew right where it was. He climbed in, found the compartment and pulled out the spare and tools — something which would have been a lot tougher for an old guy like me. He asked me to jack up the van while he got a battery powered impact wrench out of his truck (incredible!!!) and got the proper sized socket for the lug nuts while putting on a high visibility safety vest. It took us maybe 5 or 6 minutes tops to change the tire and have to van back on the ground. I was so appreciative of Trooper Reynolds’ help and professionalism, and having the impact wrench made things so much easier. I have seen several reports on the local news stations about the hazards troopers face when they stop or help a vehicle along a busy interstate, but honestly I did not realize how really hazardous and scary that situation is until yesterday. I thanked Trooper Reynolds, but I would appreciate if his supervisor could also thank him for me. He is an excellent representative of the UHP and you can be proud of him. Thanks,.” – D. Johnson
September 11, 2023
Trooper Tinoco, Juab County
“I received a citation from Trooper Tincoco. I just wanted to say that it was the first time in my life that I have ever had a pleasant encounter with a police officer. My entire life I just felt like I was just a fundraiser for a city or state by not obeying arbitrary rules that don’t connect with public safety, in this stop, the fact that he gave me warnings for each of my issues was an indication that he truly just cared about my safety and that I was notified that I needed to obey public safety standards. I wanted to tell him thank you.” -B. Cunningham
September 8, 2023
Trooper Custer, Grand County
“On Friday, Sept. 8th, we were traveling and had a blow-out about ten miles north of Moab. We had the tools out and the owner’s manual open (neither of us has changed a tire in years), when your Trooper, Brandan Custer appeared. He went beyond just helping, he actually changed the tire and told us where to look in Moab to get it fixed or replaced. We appreciate this act so much and wanted to officially thank him.” – S & P Osika
August 18, 2023
Trooper Alfonso and Trooper Shepherd, Utah County
“We want to personally thank the two Troopers that responded to our RV fire on I-15 on Friday August 18, 2023 in or near Springville, Utah. It was a hectic and dangerous situation for my wife and myself and the two Utah Patrolmen that responded were very professional and caring about our situation. They made both of us feel secure and sure our safety was a priority. Again, thank you two men and your entire organization.” G. Baxter
August 13, 2023
Trooper Shepherd, Utah County
“On Sunday, August 13, 2023, at or around 4:30pm MT, I was driving home northbound on I-15 in the Santaquin area, where I was pulled over by Trooper Shepherd. I wanted to take the time to express my positive and professional experience with him. Trooper Shepherd was friendly, professional in his demeanor and communications. I am a licensed concealed weapon carrier in the state of Utah, and I was carrying my weapon at the time of the interaction. I let Trooperr Shepard know at the beginning of the conversation and he provide clear instructions to which I followed. I appreciated his understanding. I know that police in general have a “difficult” reputation in the eye of the public these days. My family and I are police supporters and it’s interactions like the one I had with Trooper Shepherd that solidifies mine/our support. Keep up the good work. To wrap it up, thank you Trooper Shepherd for the great experience/interaction. Please be safe out there.” – Z. Barton
August 2, 2023
Trooper DeMoura, Utah County
“Hi, I got pulled over last night (august 2) in Orem. I deserved it and definitely will be better (I don’t like being in trouble!), but wanted to relay that I really appreciated the Trooper. He did his job, but he wasn’t rude or belittling about it. It was really nice having a decent interaction with a cop, and really made a difference for me and my daughter who was with me. I really appreciate not being treated like a horrible person because of a mistake. Thank you, Trooper. (I don’t know his name, but is badge number is 566. Please thank him for me). Thank you for all your service, and thank you for kindness.” – K. Bitter
July 28, 2023
Trooper Davis, Safety Inspection
“I just want to compliment UHP and Trooper J. Davis (Badge #U04170) for his professionalism and cool attitude, while performing a roadside (I-70 EB @ mm 51) Level II inspection on my commercial vehicle today (07/28/23 @ 1157 MDT). Knowing both our safety was important, he received documents, performed the inspection and shared a few laughs!! Thank you for the service you provide to the motoring public, and the State of Utah.” – R. Singleton
July 25, 2023
Trooper Thompson, Safety Inspection
I just want to thank UHP Trooper Thompson. My tire blew out during rush-hour while driving northbound I 15 at the Point. (7/25/23) When tire blew, my car veered left, so I ended up along the narrow lane/HOV wall . Cars were coming by fast, AAA was still an hour out, and I was really worried I would run out of gas/AC before they arrived. Trooper Thompson pulled up and was so kind as he a evaluated the situation and the unsafe conditions. He offered to change the tire so I could get off the highway. He was fast, and so polite! Major shout out to the guardian angel trooper who helped me get safely off the highway. Thank you!!” – C. Nielsen
July 21, 2023
Trooper Ryan, Uintah County
On July 21, 2023, Ann Murray stopped to assist on a vehicle collision in Colorado in between Dinosaur & Maybelle( 30 minutes outside of Utah) at approximately 18:00
The driver was a 20 year old male, involved in the traffic accident and was wearing his seatbelt. He asked Murray to notify his mother of the accident. When doing so, the mother indicated the only reason he had his seatbelt on was because he had been stopped in Utah for speeding at approximately 1700 hours, an hour prior to the collision. He put on the seatbelt when he was stopped.
Murray firmly believes the trooper who stopped Lister for speeding saved his life that day.
She shared this with us to say thank you for being out there and making a difference. The Trooper is Brendon Ryan from Section 5/ Vernal. ” – A. Murray
July 21, 2023
Trooper Stone, Tooele County
“I’ve been sitting on this for a while but wanted to make sure UHP and Trooper J. Stone (602) get the recognition and kudos deserved. Trooper Stone pulled me over and gave a warning for my top third brake light being out. Now, this may have been the only reason he pulled me over, or, I may or may not have crept through a certain colored light, on that I’ll take the 5th . Anyway, I was on my way to the vet with my dog who was riding in the backseat and, looking at my dog, Trooper Stone asked if it was OK to reach in and take my license and registration. That simple question was huge and greatly appreciated. Not knowing the temperament of my dog I hope Trooper Stone realizes how important that question was. Keep up the great work UHP and thank you Trooper Stone. And, yes, the brake light has been replaced.” – M. Osterud
July 14, 2023
Trooper Gonzalez, Utah County
“Wanted to give a big shout out and a THANK YOU to Trooper Gonzalez on Friday night 10:20pm on I-15 south-bound in Lehi for helping me fix my flat and providing lights and safety to my unfortunate flat tire situation. He could be a coach, a teacher, or a mentor, but chose to be in UHP instead. To me he was a friend and made me feel like my tax dollars are hard at work. Cannot thank him enough for getting me back to my wife and home safe.” – L. Wingfield
July 13, 2023
Trooper Hintze, Iron County
“I am writing this note to express my deepest gratitude for the prompt assistance I was provided by a helpful Utah police officer during a recent incident. Last week, while driving on the freeway, my car stopped all of a sudden, right in the middle of the freeway lane. It was a distressing moment for me when I met Trooper Grant Hintze with vehicles crossing me at high speed, almost escaping crashes a couple of times, running low on my phone battery unfortunately and on trying to call my insurance provided for roadside assistance, realizing that it will take at least a couple of hours if not more. The prompt response and professional demeanor from Utah police officers (I don’t know the name of other officer) reassured me that I was in capable hands. Your swift actions not only resolved the situation but also made me feel safe and protected. While I was stressed out and a bit puzzled, the officers I met were so calm and were always so cautious and vigilant in taking care of mine and my mom’s safety. I am truly impressed by your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving and protecting the community. Your calm and composed approach, coupled with your quick decision-making skills, made a significant difference during that time which could have been truly challenging otherwise and would have spoiled our vacation on the very first day itself. Your kindness, compassion and commitment to work with full honesty not only brings a smile to our faces but also makes me salute the grit of highly respectful officers like you in the police department. Your exceptional service is a testament to your commitment to upholding law and order, and it has had a positive impact on me personally. I believe that your exemplary performance reflects the high standards of Utah police department Once again, Officer Grant Hintze, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your sincere service to the community. Wishing you continued success in your career and personal endeavors.” – Sneha
July 13, 2023
Trooper Searle, Uintah County
“I just wanted to say trooper Searle is one of the best cops I’ve ever dealt with so I just wanted him to recognized for being such a respectful, fair and kind officer.” B. Labrum
July 10, 2023
Trooper Ball, Utah County
“Just a quick message of thanks to UHP Officer (badge #264). We were recently pulled over on I-15 and wanted to call out his professionalism and “bedside” manner. He was very friendly, kind, and extremely efficient with our stop. While no one loves getting a citation, we do love having awesome interactions with Officers like this and appreciate his smile and service. Will you please brighten this officer’s day by letting him know that this citizen appreciated our interaction? What a great guy!!” A. Marshal
July 8, 2023
Trooper Shumway, Juab County
“On July 8, 2023 we were traveling north on I 15 between mile marker 144 and 145 when we hit a bike in the middle of the highway. We want to express our gratitude to the person who called and notified officer, Shumway, and especially to officer Shumway, who got us a tow in a timely manner, and sat with us until we were on our way.” – D. Pistorius