Police lieutenant tapped to lead Park City’s emergency preparedness efforts

Lt. Clint Johnson has been made Park City's new emergency manager. Photo: Park City Municipal

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City has named Police Department Lt. Clint Johnson as the city’s new emergency manager, filling a key public safety role that has been vacant since late last year.

Johnson, who has served with the Park City Police Department for 11 years and has 23 years of public safety experience, will oversee the city’s emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. He holds a bachelor’s degree in emergency management from Utah Valley University.

The appointment follows several months with an acting emergency manager after former Emergency Program Manager Mike McComb left the city in late 2025 to take a position in the private sector. Dave Thacker, the city’s chief building official, has served as acting emergency manager during the transition.

As emergency manager, Johnson will coordinate planning and response efforts across city departments and with partner agencies, including Summit County, the Park City Fire District, and state and federal emergency management organizations.

His responsibilities also include overseeing emergency operations planning, training, and exercises; maintaining the city’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan; and helping prepare the community for hazards ranging from wildfires and severe weather to major special events.

“I am excited to take on this important challenge,” Johnson said in a statement. “Emergency management is where planning, partnerships, and public safety come together. From prevention and preparedness to response and recovery, this work helps navigate some of our greatest challenges.”

City Manager Adam Lenhard said Johnson’s experience and collaborative leadership style made him a strong choice for the position.

“Emergency preparedness is one of the City’s most important duties, and Clint is well positioned to build on the strong foundation already in place,” Lenhard said. He also thanked Thacker for serving as acting emergency manager and ensuring continuity during the transition.

Park City’s emergency management program has existed for nearly two decades.

Former City Council member Hugh Daniels established Park City’s modern emergency management program after being hired as the city’s first emergency manager in 2007. During his tenure, Daniels developed Park City’s first comprehensive emergency plan and emergency operations center before retiring in 2018. Mike McComb succeeded him as the city’s second emergency program manager.

The role has taken on increasing visibility in recent years as Park City has prepared for wildfire seasons, coordinated responses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and planned for major community events.