Vernal names new police chief

VERNAL — The Vernal City Council has confirmed the appointment of Dylan Rooks as the city's police chief.

Rooks had served as acting police chief since the departure of Gary Jensen, who was sworn in Oct. 20 as Logan's police chief.

A 15-year law enforcement veteran, Rooks has spent his entire career with the Vernal Police Department. He was named Police Officer of the Year in 2006 by the Utah Chiefs of Police Association and has supervised the department's detective division, commanded the Uintah Basin Narcotics Strike Force and served as assistant police chief under Jensen.

Rooks was one of four candidates interviewed to replace Jensen. He was sworn in Nov. 13 following a unanimous confirmation vote.

— Geoff Liesik