An interim chief of the Utah Tech Police Department was sworn in Friday morning when Ron Bridge, former captain of police at Utah Tech University, took the Oath of Office at an on-campus ceremony.
“We are thrilled that Captain Ron Bridge accepted the position of Interim Chief of Police for the Utah Tech Police Department,” Vice President of Administrative Affairs Paul Morris said. “Ron Bridge’s level of education coupled with his extensive community-policing experience is the perfect combination to lead our team of veteran officers.”
Bridge, who was sworn in by Kyle Whitehead, chief of police for the city of St. George, has worked in law enforcement since 1998 and began at Utah Tech as administrative sergeant in December 2018. He was promoted to captain in October 2020 and has since helped the university receive the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and the Utah Chiefs of Police Association accreditations.
This summer, IACLEA honored Bridge with the Administrative Excellence Award. Bridge demonstrated outstanding service in policy and planning, investigations and crime prevention to earn the award. His dedication to implementing innovative ideas also contributed to him receiving the honor.
Prior to coming to UT, Bridge served in Summit County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years as a sergeant, supervisor of Major Crimes Division and SWAT team leader of a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team. Additionally, he has worked with child exploitation task forces.
“I’m extremely excited for the future, excited to get to work and excited to be of service to the campus,” Bridge said.
Also during the ceremony, Josh Thayn was sworn in as the university’s chief safety officer and executive director of University Safety & Risk Management, the division that UTPD falls under. The UT Police Department works to maintain a safe environment where students can achieve their academic goals. UT police officers work in partnership with students, staff, faculty and the community to protect life and property, provide service and enhance the quality of life for the entire Utah Tech community.
To learn more about the Utah Tech Police Department, visit police.utahtech.edu.