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SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department announced Tuesday it has closed an internal affairs investigation into an officer who they say was unwilling to take a gay pride parade assignment, citing the officer's resignation.
The officer, who has not been identified, informed the department Monday that he would not be returning to work because an internal affairs investigation and statements made by the department last week created a climate that would not allow the officer to continue with the force.
The motor officer had been assigned to ride ahead of the Utah Pride Festival parade Sunday, a task he said made him uncomfortable because of his personal and religious beliefs. He asked to trade for a security or patrol assignment, according to the statement, and was placed on paid administrative leave.
Bret Rawson, the officer's attorney, said no new paperwork was submitted to the department Tuesday. The department is treating documents submitted by the officer and his lawyer Monday as his resignation.
The police department declined to provide additional comment on the situation in light of "pending litigation."
