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TAYLORSVILLE — Next summer, there will be a new sheriff in town.
Well, a new police chief. And a whole new police department.
The city of Taylorsville announced Monday it has appointed a police chief to head its brand new department: Tracy Wyant, currently the Unified Police Department's Taylorsville precinct chief.
The news comes after the city announced its split from Unified Police Department in June and its plans to form an in-house police force.
Wyant, a Taylorsville native who's served as the precinct chief since 2012, said he is honored to begin the new job which will take effect when Taylorsville City Police Department operations begin next July.
"I am honored and humbled by the trust Taylorsville City has placed in me to lead our new police department," Wyant said in a news release. "As challenging as things are currently in law enforcement, we are equally presented with opportunities for growth. Throughout my career, and especially the last 12 months, I have been incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support our officers have received from our community."
The Taylorsville City Council voted to officially leave Unified and form its own agency in July, citing cheaper costs and more control over policing policy as reasons for the move.
This isn't the first time Taylorsville has had its own police force. Before contracting with UPD, the city operated Taylorsville City Police Department from 2005-2012.
As for the lessons learned from the first TCPD, officials said they learned a successful police force relies on a strong foundation.
To achieve this, the new TCPD will have a projected budget, a unique culture that aligns with community expectations and clear channels of communication.
"We knew Chief Wyant was the one and that he was our top choice," said Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson. "As such, we did not feel it was fair to put others through an unnecessary hiring process. Chief Wyant has proven his worth and has been with Taylorville since the beginning. He will be exceptional in leading us to this next level."
In his 23-year law enforcement career, Wyant has served in a "multitude of assignments and positions" in the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, Unified Police Department and the former Taylorsville City Police Department.
More information about the city's transition away from UPD and the formation of TCPD is available at TaylorsvilleUT.gov.
