Detective Anel Maldonado was honored tonight at the Mountain Valley Stampede Rodeo for her service in law enforcement. Photo: Heber City Police Department

HEBER CITY, Utah — Detective Anel Maldonado was honored for Local Heroes Night at the Mountain Valley Stampede Rodeo last week. Maldonado joined the Heber City Police Department in 2019 where she began as a patrol officer. As she continued her career, she advanced to the Traffic Unit and now serves in the Investigations Unit, where she “leads and supports complex criminal investigations,” according to Heber City PD.

One of Maldonado’s specializations is crimes against persons, particularly cases involving children. She is a vital contributor to the Wasatch multi-disciplinary team for children’s justice and works with the Children’s Justice Center and the Department of Child and Family Services to ensure that children in the community are protected, advocated for, and receive justice.

Maldonado is also a POST-certified Defensive Tactics Instructor, trained linguist, and field training officer, bringing a diverse skill set to the department. She helps investigate the region’s most serious offenses, including homicides, as a member of the Wasatch Back Major Crimes Task Force.

“Her work routinely draws praise and gratitude from the public, a testament to her professionalism, compassion, and dedication,” said Heber City PD. “Beyond her qualifications and accomplishments, Detective Maldonado is widely respected as a mentor, a team player, and a person of high character. She embodies the values of our department, and we are proud to have her on our team.”