With the election process starting up, Sheriff Vance Norton has announced that he will not be seeking re-election. “It’s hard to believe we are entering the last year of my 4 year term as Sheriff,” shares Norton. “I can say it has been a great honor to serve all of you in this position.” Sheriff Norton is now focused on continuing the momentum of his first three years in office. In that time the Sheriff’s Office has accomplished the following: Employed additional deputies including 6 recent hires in the Uintah County Jail. Found new ways to generate an additional $1.5 million dollars each year to help with the debt remaining on the public safety complex. Started the County’s first Citizens Academy. Reopened cold case homicides with continued focus on solving the cases. Increased the visibility of the Sheriff’s badge on vehicles. Added two new K-9’s to the Sheriff’s Office team. Contracted with Ballard City to provide law enforcement services. Implemented leadership training for supervisors. Acquired grant money for car and body cameras for their entire patrol and detective divisions. Implemented a reserve program saving thousands of dollars annually and required additional ongoing training for deputies. In 2018, Sheriff Norton plans to form a Citizens Review Board and create a bicycle registry, among other goals. When asked what his plans are once his time as Sheriff is over, Norton says that is still up in the air but he is exploring the feasibility of starting his own private security business.
