Jim Winder to step down as Moab police chief, return to Salt Lake area

SALT LAKE CITY — After nearly two years in southern Utah, Moab Police Chief Jim Winder is set to leave the department and return to the Salt Lake City area.

Winder said he moved to Moab in July 2017 to spend more time with his family, but in an unexpected turn of events, his wife and children have recently been spending more time in Salt Lake City.

“A move back to Salt Lake is kind of in order right now to ensure that I spend as much time as possible with my family,” he told KSL.com Monday evening.

Winder’s daughter participates in a sport that requires frequent travel to Salt Lake City, and his son recently was accepted into a military academy in the area, he said.

Winder previously served as Salt Lake County Sheriff from 2007 to 2017, when he then was appointed Moab police chief.

He remained tight-lipped about what his next job will be upon returning to the Wasatch Front, saying he was focused on helping the city of Moab have a smooth transition.

“As soon as a new chief is put in place I’ll spend some time with them to make sure that that’s all up and running and then I will move on,” Winder said.

His last day in Moab has yet to be announced, and depends on how quickly a new police chief is selected, he said. He has informed city officials of his decision and plans to help devise a transition plan.

Winder added that he is weighing a few different job options in the Salt Lake area.

Even though his time in Moab will be relatively short-lived, Winder said it has been a wonderful opportunity for him. The people in Moab have treated him and his family very well, he added.

“I want to thank Moab. They’ve been wonderful to me and my family,” Winder said. “I think it’s been mutually beneficial for me and the city.”

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