Park City’s Wade Carpenter assumes leadership of International Association of Chiefs of Police

Chief Wade Carpenter of the PCPD was sworn in as IACP's first-ever President from Utah. Photo: Event Photography of North America Corporation.

Park City Police Chief Wade Carpenter has been sworn in as the president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Carpenter's career spans 36 years in law enforcement, with his last 22 years dedicated to leading the Park City Police Department.

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City Police Chief Wade Carpenter has been sworn in as the president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, a global organization of more than 33,000 law enforcement professionals from 173 countries.

Carpenter’s appointment makes him the first police chief from Utah to helm the association, which has been advocating for policing best standards and practices for 130 years. The inauguration took place at the IACP’s annual conference in San Diego, California, on Oct. 17.

Carpenter’s career spans 36 years in law enforcement, with his last 22 years dedicated to leading the Park City Police Department. During his tenure, Carpenter is celebrated for implementing a successful community policing model and pioneering innovative policies within the department.

Carpenter’s experience and accomplishments include serving two terms as president of the Utah Chiefs of Police Association, chairmanship of the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council and past chairmanship of the Utah State Intelligence Analysis Center. He plays an active role on the founders’ board for the Utah 1033 Fallen Officer Foundation and the executive board for the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. Carpenter is also the co-founder of Leaders for Life, an anti-bullying program dedicated to fostering a safer environment for young individuals.

Mayor Nann Worel expressed her pride and congratulations and said, “We are incredibly proud of Chief Carpenter and congratulate him on this well-deserved honor. This is a big deal – being the first president from the State of Utah. I was moved by his remarks on accountability and mentoring young officers. We are honored to share our chief with the world.”

In addition to his role as president, Carpenter will serve on the IACP Executive Board, where he will oversee the IACP Firearms Committee, IACP Arson and Explosives Committee, and IACP Patrol and Tactical Operations Committee. This involvement underscores his commitment to shaping the future of law enforcement practices on both a local and global scale.

“I am incredibly humbled and grateful to represent Park City Municipal and our community, the state of Utah, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police in this capacity,” said Carpenter. “The IACP is focused on creating Future Leaders for Tomorrow while addressing worldwide best practices to help create consistency and accountability amongst our law enforcement communities.”

Carpenter will be honored by Mayor Worel and the Park City Council during a special meeting on Oct.26 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall (445 Marsac Avenue).

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