SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – Kane County Sheriff Tracy Glover has been named the 2024-25 Sheriff of the Year by the Western States Sheriffs’ Association (WSSA). He shares this honor with Hood River County Sheriff Matt English of Oregon. Both were recognized for their leadership, commitment to law enforcement, and advocacy for the role of sheriff in public safety.
First established in 2008-09, the WSSA Sheriff of the Year Award honors an active sheriff who exemplifies the association’s mission and values while fulfilling critical public safety responsibilities in their home counties.
The award was presented on March 12, 2025, at the WSSA Annual Membership Meeting in Reno, Nevada. Attendees included WSSA members, WSSA President Sheriff Gary Bettencourt, the WSSA Executive Board, and National Sheriffs’ Association President Sheriff Kieran Donahue of Canyon County, Idaho.
Sheriff Glover and Sheriff English were selected for their leadership in shaping policy and advocating for local involvement in public safety. As co-chairs of the WSSA Government Affairs/Public Lands Committee, they have worked to strengthen collaboration among local, state and federal agencies to address key law enforcement issues, while aggressively challenging detrimental rulemaking efforts from The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the United States Forest Service.
“These two sheriffs are being recognized for their tireless efforts to fulfill the mission of the Western States Sheriffs’ Association in assisting sheriffs with federal issues,” said WSSA President Sheriff Gary Bettencourt. “Both sheriffs are committed to the public safety needs of their communities and to protecting the Office of Sheriff. Through their individual efforts and the immense work of their committee, great progress was made in raising awareness and educating Congress and stakeholders.”
Sheriff Glover has been a strong advocate for public safety, law enforcement collaboration, and rural community support throughout his tenure. His leadership extends beyond Kane County through his role as president of the Utah Sheriffs’ Association, where he works to enhance training, advocacy, and resource allocation for Utah’s sheriffs.
In addition to receiving this honor, Sheriff Glover was sworn in as WSSA vice president on March 12, 2025. In this role, he will continue to advocate for sheriffs and public safety initiatives at the regional and national levels.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the Western States Sheriffs’ Association,” said Sheriff Glover. “The relationships and camaraderie within this organization mean a great deal to me, and I’m grateful to be part of a network of leaders who are always willing to share their knowledge and stand together in the face of challenges. I look forward to continuing this work as WSSA vice president, advocating for the needs of sheriffs and the communities we serve while preserving our western culture.”
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About Utah Sheriffs’ Association: The Utah Sheriffs’ Association was established to enhance the safety and well-being of Utah's communities by fostering dedicated law enforcement, building collaborative partnerships, and promoting active community engagement. We are committed to upholding justice, delivering high-quality professional development, and supporting the dedicated sheriffs and deputies who protect and serve, ensuring a safer and stronger community for all. For more information, visit utahsheriffs.org.
About Western States Sheriffs’ Association: The Western States Sheriffs’ Association is comprised of Sheriffs and their command staff from 18 Western States that include Washington, Wyoming, Oregon, Utah, Idaho, California, Arizona, Nevada, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Run by sheriffs for sheriffs, the WSSA works to protect the office of sheriff, provides resources, training, legislative advocacy, and a strong support network to address the unique challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in rural and frontier communities. For more information, visit westernsheriffs.org.