‘Trust is everything’: Park City Police Lieutenant retires after 20 years

Photo: credit Tanzi Propst/Park City Municipal Corporation

Lt. Jay Randall, who led Park City's transformative community outreach programs and created the state's only Latino Academy, will retire this month after two decades in law enforcement

PARK CITY, Utah — After more than 20 years in law enforcement, Lt. Jay Randall of the Park City Police Department will retire on Feb. 27, closing a chapter defined by community engagement, mentorship, and public service.

Randall, who began his career in 2004 with Ivins Public Safety before joining Park City in 2013, says the decision to retire comes at a natural transition point. “I feel pretty good for my age, but I think everyone gets to a point where they ask, ‘Am I still productive? Am I still valued? Am I making a difference?’” Randall said. “I got into this profession to try to make a difference in people’s lives. It’s what fulfills me and gives me purpose.”

Wanting to leave on a positive note, Randall felt it was time to step away while ensuring the department’s Community Outreach—where he has served for the past three years—continues its momentum. “I feel like we’ve brought community outreach miles from where it was. I want to make sure I leave room for someone who can take it even further,” he said.

A Career Rooted in Service

Randall’s path to law enforcement was unconventional. Before joining the force, he owned a restaurant in southern Utah, where a friendship with then-Ivins Public Safety Chief Wade Carpenter led to his recruitment. “One day, he told me, ‘Jay, I think you’d be a good fit for law enforcement.’ I laughed and said, ‘Wait, I used to run from you guys!’” Randall said. “But over time, I started thinking—maybe I could make a difference. That was what ultimately convinced me.”

After nine years in Ivins, Randall followed Carpenter—who had taken the chief’s role in Park City—and joined the department. His work in community outreach became a defining element of his tenure. Randall spearheaded initiatives including the Latino Academy, the Citizens Academy, and the Police Explorer Program, helping bridge gaps between law enforcement and the diverse populations of Park City.

“We’re the only ones in the state that do a Latino Academy, and it’s been amazing to see how much trust and engagement it has built,” he said. “That trust pays huge dividends when we need to serve the community.”

A Legacy of Connection

Beyond the programs, Randall is most proud of the relationships he has built. “You can’t be successful in this business by yourself,” he said. “You have to count on the people you work with, and I’ve been lucky to work with an incredible team.”

His leadership in community policing also extended to partnerships with the Christian Center of Park City, Peace House, and local schools. “I can call any principal, the superintendent, or community leaders, and they pick up because we’ve built trust,” he said. “That’s what I want my legacy to be—the relationships we’ve built and the impact they continue to have.”

Randall often referred to the concept of an “emotional bank account” when discussing his career.

“We make deposits every day—building trust, helping people, making a difference—because inevitably, there will be times when we have to make a withdrawal,” he said. “When difficult moments come, when tensions rise, it’s the trust we’ve built that allows us to continue serving effectively.”

One of the most memorable moments in Randall’s career was when he helped save a man’s life. “We responded to a call where a man had collapsed and wasn’t breathing. His wife was frantic and unable to assist. My training kicked in, and I was able to begin CPR immediately,” he said. “EMS arrived, and we got a pulse back. He survived, and while he may not even remember me, that moment was profound. It reminded me why I do this job.”

Reflecting on how the Park City Police Department has evolved since he joined, Randall noted the growing emphasis on community outreach. “Law enforcement used to be more reactive. Over time, the role has shifted—people expect engagement. We’re not just responding to calls; we’re building relationships that create safer communities,” he said.

When asked what he hopes his legacy will be, Randall emphasized the department’s focus on outreach. “I want the programs we’ve built to continue thriving. Whether it’s the Latino Academy, the partnerships with community organizations, or simply the culture of trust we’ve fostered, I hope that endures,” he said.

As for advice to his successor, Randall kept it simple: “Never stop engaging. The work we do—building trust, connecting with the community—that’s what truly makes a difference. Hire good people, train them well, and then let them do what they do best.”

Randall also reflected on what law enforcement has meant to him personally.

“The badge doesn’t make me—I make the badge,” he said. “It’s about how you carry yourself, how you treat people, and the impact you leave behind. That’s what truly matters.”

Looking Ahead

As he transitions into retirement, Randall is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Tonya, their three children, and two granddaughters. “I’ve missed so many moments with my family,” he said. “Now, it’s time to focus on them.”

While he plans to step away from policing, Randall intends to stay involved in the community through volunteer work and events like Faith & Blue. He also plans to launch a sprinkler repair business—returning to his early days in landscaping. “I’m not the kind of guy who can just sit around,” he laughed. “I need a project.”

Reflecting on his career, Randall summed it up in one sentence, “Through my service over the last 20-plus years, I’ve grown in character, I’ve built trusting relationships, and I’ve found a sense of accomplishment that I wouldn’t have in any other profession.”

As he prepares to hang up his badge, he leaves one final message for Park City residents.

“Trust your police department. The men and women here are here for the right reasons. Get to know them, engage with them, and continue building those relationships. That’s what makes this community special.”