First Quarter 2023
March 27, 2023
Trooper Prescott, Davis County
Last Monday I was driving on I15 between the Hill Field Road exit and the Antelope Drive exit when I hit a snowy area and lost control of my car finally coming to a rest in the ditch. The car wouldn’t budge. We called several towing companies, but none were available for several hours. Lucky, within 10 minutes an incident management truck pulled up and shortly behind him, Officer Blanseny and Officer Blaine( no last name given) showed up. They all worked very hard for about 10 minutes, but the car wasn’t going anywhere. Then they decided to try pulling it out with a chain. After a few more minutes we were out and on our way. I can’t tell you all how grateful we both were for their amazing work and not giving up when it seemed pretty hopeless. I think the incident management gentleman was names McCullen or something like that. Thank you guys for helping us out of what was a very difficult and dangerous situation. We love all you guys and your willingness to protect and serve in these very difficult, challenging and unrewarding times. God bless and you all please stay safe.” – G. and J. McCarty
March 27, 2023
Trooper Chugg, Box Elder County
Trooper Ken Chugg showed my wife and I exceptional courtesy while our car was inoperable on Interatate 84 North of Tremonton on March 23. Trooper Chugg made sure we were safe while our car was on the shoulder with no electricity to power hazard flashers. Trooper Chugg’s thoughtfulness insuring our safety made a very positive impression on us. We thank Trooper Chugg and his professionalism with the UHP which evinces protect and serve.” R. Stentz
March 24, 2023
Sgt. Fawson, Tooele County
“I wish to thank the UHP for the professional, calming, and patient demeanor of Sergeant Clint Fawson as he responded to a single-car accident that involved my daughter on Interstate 80 during a morning snowstorm on March 24, 2023. Less than 24 hours before the accident, my daughter had returned home from an LDS church mission in Atlanta, Georgia–where of course she had not seen or driven in snow for the past 18 months. Although we warned her about the coming storm, she had been a good driver as a young adult, and we trusted her to drive safely. Accidents happen, and we were very glad that the only damage was to our car. Our daughter was physically fine, but from her phone call, it was clear that she was frightened, remorseful, and experiencing a momentary shock. Thankfully a kind stranger stopped to help, and Sgt. Fawson was soon on the scene during what I am sure was a very busy morning for the UHP. Thank you for hiring, training, and retaining excellent officers like Sgt. Fawson!” – M. Maloy
March 19, 2023
Trooper Alfonso, Utah County
“Wanted to shout out UHP Trooper B. Alfonso. On the evening of 03/19/23 my spouse was traveling on I 15 and needed assistance. He was courteous and so appreciated. My spouse was traveling with her friend coming back from AZ when they had a blowout. He got her back on the road in no time flat (get it?) Flat… But for real, my hats always off to out First Responders and protectors of our country. Keep up the great work UHP.” E. Chavez
March 18, 2023
Trooper Rutherford, Emery County
On Saturday March 18, 2023, my wife was traveling west bound on highway I-70 from Colorado, She missed the sign for “no service next 70 miles” on the road between the Colorado line and Moab, which was her destination. She was running low on fuel and thought that she was going to run out. She pulled off one of the ramps which had no service and called our insurance company which unfortunately was unable to service the need for fuel. USAA (our insurance provider) phoned Utah State Patrol and reached Trooper Rutherford. Trooper Rutherford in turn phoned my wife and advised her to keep going and if she did run out of fuel he would assist her. Now normally, during any evening this would be the end of the story, however, in this case Trooper Rutherford maintained contact with my wife through a series of several phone calls to make sure that she was ok and that she eventually found her way to a fuel station. As a former law enforcement officer, I appreciate the commitment and follow through displayed by Trooper Rutherford’s actions. Which were a few simple phone calls that gave my wife a piece of mind to keep going and that help was on the way if needed. We wanted to express our gratitude toward the Utah State Troopers, and specifically Trooper Rutherford for his actions. Kind Regards” – F. Chidsey
March 7, 2023
Trooper Santisteban, Davis County
I was pulled over last night by Trooper Santisteban. I wanted you to know that my experience with him was that he was professional, kind, fair and compassionate. I was driving distractedly because I had a hearing regarding unemployment benefits which I was very worried about. I should have been paying more attention, but I wasn’t. He pulled me over. I explained to him I was worried about an unemployment hearing and I was distracted. I am a Class A CDL holder. A new speeding ticket would have negatively impacted my ability to find work. I am so thankful for his compassion in giving me a warning. Even if he would have given me a ticket, I would still compliment him. I found his conduct to be professional, polite and non confrontational even while dealing with the situation. Thank you to all of your Troopers out there keeping our County and Highways safe.” – M.G.
March 2, 2023
Lt. Colonel Zesiger
“I had the pleasure of meeting Lieutenant Colonel Superintendent (if I got the title correct) on my way into work. His traffic stop this morning that reminded me to slow down, ended up making my day! I was late to a work meeting and he said he was too and to be safe. With everything happening around us and so many law enforcement officers that have grab headlines, I would be amiss if I did not think him and his fellow troopers and leadership for their service. The respect he showed me when I was clearly in the wrong, gave me hope that we can all live in a society with rules to provide safety to and from our homes to work, school, and other outdoor areas of this State. Hats off and deep respect for all of the Troopers serving and watching over us. Your sacrifices and work is truly appreciated.” – M. Gamble
February 27, 2023
Trooper Stevens , Salt Lake County
“My daughter had a flat tire on the freeway near Ikea in Salt Lake City last Saturday. She pulled over on the shoulder.. She called me and I came to her help at about the same time Officer Chase showed up, I know Chase is his first name. He had my daughter pull on the freeway and drive slowly to Maverick which was less than half a mile away. He was so easy talk to and so helpful. I started to change the tire and Chase said I got this, I have all the equipment. He had the tire changed in five minutes. I wanted to let you know what a great representative Chase is for the police department. Great personality. I’m sure he is doing great things and will continue to do great things. I am sure he is one of your stars.” – C. Smith
February 24, 2023
Trooper Murri, Salt Lake County
A Utahn recounted an incident that occurred on Friday Feb. 24th, when she was involved in a crash and she recounts that it was her fault that the crash occurred. She was very worried about the people in the other car and she was so impressed with Trooper Murri’s empathy and efficiency. Trooper Murri dealt with some technology issues and she remained professional and respectful throughout the entire process, including the moment that Trooper Murri issued her a citation. She related that she knows that she cannot do the job of a Trooper but she’s so grateful for a well-trained Trooper like Trooper Murri who is willing and capable to be out there helping people. – As reported to Lt. Hawkes in a voicemail
February 24, 2023
Trooper Rowley, Salt Lake County
“I was pulled over on W I-215 SB yesterday 2/24/23 by Trooper A. Rowley. I just wanted to say what a great trooper he is! Professional, cordial, and understanding. He is truly a great representative of what a UHP trooper should be. I was in the wrong and had a dirty license plate due to all the snow and road dirt, to the point it was unreadable. Trooper Rowley was understanding and allowed me to correct the issue. Thank you to the entire UHP for keeping Utah safe! We appreciate and love our troopers for all of their hard work and professionalism! Have a safe and wonderful year! You are all the best of the best!” – N. Thon
February 20, 2023
Sgt. Housekeeper, Juab County
“I was stopped for speeding in Juab County by a Highway Patrol officer (I can’t read his name on the citation but the badge # is 200). Throughout the stop he was pleasant and accepting and I want to express my appreciation for his demeanor. Thanks.” – M. Davies
February 4, 2023
Trooper Timchak, Weber County
“I just wanted to let you know that Trooper Timchak was AWESOME! I’m not sure if this is the right format for sending this or not, but someone should acknowledge him! He was polite, kind, patient (with a momma who’s a little tired) and so professional! Please thank him from me, and see that this acknowledgment gets to the right place. Thank you!!” – J. Coroles
January 8, 2023
Trooper Slesk, Box Elder County
Trooper Jake Slesk helped us yesterday night with a broken down Tacoma truck. He was a very professional and caring officer for sure. So helpful and I so appreciate his help with our problem. Just wanted to pass on how great an officer he is.” – T. VanDenBerghe
Febru