History – 1970-1979: A Changing Patrol
1970
The Utah Highway Patrol participates with other police agencies in the Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP). Patrol cars are equipped with push bumpers, air conditioning, and AM radios.
1971
The Utah Highway Patrol responds to a coal mine strike in Carbon County. Trooper John R. Winn is killed on September 22, 1971.
1973
The UHP establishes the Beehive Award Program to stimulate the recovery of stolen vehicles and the
apprehension of suspects. Moving radar is used for the first time by UHP troopers.
1974
The Utah Highway Patrol started to enforce the 55 mph national speed limit.Trooper William J. Antoniewicz is killed, December 8, 1974.
1975
The campaign hat is again implemented and the “bus driver” cap is discontinued. All field troopers complete a 40 hour Crash Injury Management Course.
1976
Agent Robert B. Hutchings, while serving with the Narcotics and Liquor Law Enforcement Division, is killed on July 20, 1976.
1977
The Patrol hires the first female trooper, Marci McGregor. The campaign hat color is changed to chocolate brown and a tan straw hat is also adopted for summer use. The Utah Highway Patrol responds to a major coal mine strike in Carbon County.
1978
For the next two years, troopers are phased out of dispatch and replaced with civilian employees. CB radios are installed in patrol cars. The UHP joins the Combined Accident Reduction Effort, (Operation C.A.R.E.), a cooperative interstate traffic safety effort during high-traffic holiday weekends. The UHP implements physical fitness training during inservice training. Trooper Ray Lynn Pierson is killed on November 7, 1978.
1979
The UHP implements a radar certification program. The Accident Reconstruction Team (ART) is implemented.