Heber City police chief retires

Heber City Police Chief Dave Booth. Photo: Heber City Police Department

HEBER CITY, Utah – Heber City Police Chief Dave Booth has retired after 11 years of protecting and serving the burgeoning community.

Chief Parker Sever will replace Booth. Sever was conditionally approved by the Heber City Council earlier this month, depending on his completion of the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements. Sever previously served as the chief of police in Hanford, California.

During Booth’s tenure, he prioritized the safety of youth in the community, the safety of the Latino community and establishing an open dialogue, as well as partnerships with locally owned businesses.

Since Booth took over as chief in 2012, Heber City has seen a 58% growth in population and a reduction in violent crimes and property damages.

Under Booth, Heber City also saw a 55% decrease in burglaries, a 48% decrease in child abuse, a 42% decrease in thefts, and a 9% decrease in assaults, according to the police department.

“I have felt fortunate to lead an agency so committed to safety, integrity, equity and a sense of security for all of the people we serve in Heber City. Nothing has made me more proud than being a part of this organization and I know we have set a path for continued great success,” Booth said.

Booth also implemented several innovative programs, including establishing one of the first body camera programs in the state, in 2014, training local businesses in crime prevention tactics and emergency management, partnering with the Utah Attorney General on numerous special enforcement programs, and initiating police reform by establishing transparency through community policing initiatives.

“Chief Booth’s example and dedication to the public, the rule of law, and protecting all of us can never be repaid. Our chief does not show off his bravery and compassion, but I’ve seen that it is real and amazing. For the last nine years that we’ve served together, I’ve never doubted his commitment and the determined focus he’s shown,” Heber City Mayor Heidi Franco said.

Booth’s career in law enforcement began in 1989 as a police cadet with the Orem Police Department. Booth and his family relocated to Heber City in 1998, where he began working as a police officer for the Park City Police Department.

The Heber City Police Department will hold an open house on Thursday, Sept. 28 to thank Booth for his years of service, from 3 to 5 p.m. with a presentation from Mayor Franco at 3:30 p.m., at the Heber City Public Safety building, 301 South Main St., Heber City.