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WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (AP) — Dennis Nordfelt, who was hailed as a "model public servant" after serving as mayor and police chief of West Valley City and superintendent of the Utah Highway Patrol, died Saturday. He was 71.
He died after a lingering illness at his home in West Valley City, Utah's second-largest city, family members said.
Nordfelt served as mayor of the Salt Lake City suburb from 2002 to 2010 and as its police chief from 1987 to 1998. He previously worked at the Utah Highway Patrol for 20 years, including six years as superintendent beginning in 1981.
He was a member of the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission at the time of his death and attended a commission meeting Tuesday.
He also was president of the Utah Peace Officers Association from 1986 to 1987.
"He spent many years serving this community and his efforts helped shape our city and made it stronger," West Valley City Mayor Ron Bigelow said in a statement. "His positive influence was also felt far beyond our city in programs, events and especially in the lives of many people in our state. He leaves a tremendous legacy for all of us."
After Nordfelt decided not to seek re-election as mayor, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker called him "a model public servant."
Nordfelt likely died due to complications from pneumonia, said his son, Dennis Junior Nordfelt.
Despite his achievements, "family was the most important thing to him," his son told The Salt Lake Tribune. "He showed it not just by what he said but how he lived."
A devout Mormon, Nordfelt was born in Salina and grew up in Moab. Survivors include his wife, Glenda, nine children and 32 grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
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