22 years ago the Uintah Basin lost a local hero in the line of duty. Roosevelt Police Chief Cecil F. Gurr was killed on July 6th, 2001. Honoring him this year, the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office shared that Chief Gurr was a “distinguished and true public servant” and that he was “respected throughout Duchesne County and Roosevelt City.” The Officer Down Memorial Page at odmp.org shares the following tragic events from the day Chief Gurr gave his life: “A convenience store clerk called police after witnessing a male subject forcing a woman into his car. When officers arrived on the scene, the suspect, who was armed with a rifle, held them at bay as he held his ex-girlfriend hostage. As Chief Gurr exited his patrol car the man opened fire on him, killing him instantly. The man forced the woman into the truck and fled the scene. They were stopped several blocks away and the subject was taken into custody. On September 20th, 2002, the man was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.” Chief Gurr is survived by his wife and grown children. His legacy lives on and will never be forgotten.
