As I begin my term as president of the Utah Sheriffs Association, I’m honored by the trust my fellow sheriffs have placed in me. Many current and past sheriffs have been mentors to me. I want each of them to know they have colleagues they can turn to. No sheriff should have to navigate a difficult situation without the benefit of another’s experience or support. Across Utah, our offices have valuable knowledge to share, and this association helps put that knowledge to work. I want to encourage open conversations about what is working, where we need help, and how we can better support the people serving in our offices.
I also want the people of Utah to know that their voices matter. The concerns we hear at a school event, a community meeting, leaning on a horse trailer, or during a casual conversation at the local convenience store help us understand where our attention is needed. Staying connected to the people who elected us is essential to doing this job well.
When I think about why I chose a career in law enforcement, I think first of my grandfather, who served as a Vernal City officer. I didn’t get the chance to know my grandfather because he passed when I was young. I heard many stories from my dad and uncle. The excitement, adventure, honesty, and service in those stories have always stuck with me. His example inspired me to enter this profession, and more than 30 years later, I still find purpose in the opportunity to do good for the people around me.
I began my career in Logan while attending college, gaining experience in assignments ranging from bike/motorcycle patrol, SRO, to SWAT. Nearly a decade later, my wife, Sonja, and I decided to return to Uintah County so our children could grow up close to their grandparents. Coming home meant serving the place where I grew up and the people whose lives were closely connected to my own. That connection continues to shape how I approach my responsibilities as sheriff.
Sonja and I have three children and four grandchildren, we enjoy spending time together in the mountains whenever we can. Hunting, fishing, raising animals, camping, and boating have long been part of our family life. I’ve also valued the chance to coach youth sports and support local rodeo and 4-H activities. Being involved in these activities gives me opportunities to listen, get to know families, and understand what matters to them. Those relationships make me a better sheriff.
“Make the right choice for the right reason” is the principle I carry into my work each day. It asks us to consider the people affected by our decisions and to hold ourselves accountable for how we serve them. Whether we are helping someone through a crisis, supporting a victim, or protecting Constitutional rights, our responsibility is to act with sound judgment and integrity.
I’m proud to be part of this profession and grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role. As president, I will work alongside my fellow sheriffs to turn our shared experience into action that strengthens our offices and the communities we serve. To everyone who supports Utah’s sheriffs, thank you. Your trust carries a responsibility we take seriously, and we will continue to work to protect your rights and stand with you when you need us.
Sincerely,
Steve Labrum
Uintah County Sheriff
President, Utah Sheriffs Association