Summit County swears in its first female sheriff, marking milestone

PARK CITY — History was made in Summit County this month as Kacey Bates was sworn in as the county's first-ever female sheriff. The ceremony, held on Oct. 8, marked a groundbreaking moment not only for Summit County, but for the state of Utah.

Bates now serves as the county's top law enforcement officer. She is only the second woman in Utah's nearly 130-year history to hold the title of sheriff, following Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera, who was the first.

"It's surreal," Bates said. "I'm feeling very excited."

With a 28-year career in law enforcement, Bates said the moment is still sinking in.

She began her journey in 1997 in the corrections division and has since worked in nearly every department within the Summit County Sheriff's Office — from patrol and investigations to serving as interim sheriff earlier this year.

"The first time I was asked the question about being the first female sheriff, it took me off guard," Bates recalled. "It's been a natural progression."

Now, as she steps into her new role, Bates is focused on making meaningful changes — especially at the county's correctional facility. One of her top priorities is addressing mental health needs among inmates.

"We're encountering more situations that involve a component of mental health," Bates said.

She hopes to implement a dedicated mental health medical wing and ensure continued care for individuals after they leave incarceration.

"As they leave the facility, give them the resources so that they can continue on," she said.

For Bates, serving Summit County is more than a job — it's personal.

"Summit County is my home, and it will always be my home," she said. "I'm very, very thankful and appreciative that I've been given this opportunity to serve as the sheriff for Summit County."

As Bates begins her tenure, she carries the weight of history and the hope of progress, paving the way for future generations of women in law enforcement.

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