ABOUT KEITH
Background & Family
Keith moved to the Uintah basin when he was 7 years old and has lived here ever since. He and his wife Sherry met in high school and raised their family here and love the Vernal area. They have two living children. Their son Shaun graduated from Uintah, attended U of U and Gonzaga and works as an attorney in Seattle, WA. Their daughter also graduated from Uintah, attended UVU and got a doctorate in Washington DC. She currently lives in Arlington, VA where she works as a clinical psychologist.
They love to travel together as a family and try to spend holidays together. Keith and his wife Sherry love to travel, go boating and fishing at the gorge.
The majority of his life has been spent balancing family time and his career. Keith has spent countless hours serving in the community through his job as a police officer. Read more about his work history below.
Work history
When Keith was a teenager he started delivering ice locally, then got a job at a local grocery store. He and Sherry first met in high school and he worked at Days Thriftway when they first got married. He continued in the grocery business until he went to the Corrections Academy in Salt Lake City where he learned how to work in the Uintah County Jail. He was working as a jailer when a position opened up in the patrol division. He was then able to attend the Police Academy in Salt Lake City. Keith worked as a Deputy until he started working for the Vernal Police Department as a Patrol Officer. At that time he went into the Detective Division participating in local investigations. In 1995 he became a detective for the County and later was promoted to Detective Sergeant. In subsequent years he was appointed as the Chief Deputy and held that title until he retired from Uintah County. Three days later, he returned as a detective for Vernal City and shortly thereafter was appointed as Assistant Chief of Police and has served in that capacity since.
WHY VOTE FOR KEITH
Keith has been preparing to be Commissioner for years without even knowing it. He has had extensive experience in communication and leadership during his many years in law enforcement. He has served over 25 years in leadership capacities including the Commander of the Uintah Basin Narcotics Strike Force, Commander of the Uintah Basin Gang Unit, Assistant Police Chief and Chief Deputy Sheriff.
During his long career in law enforcement, Keith has also held titles such as Medical Examiner Investigator, Child Abuse Task Force Member and Internet Crimes Against Children team member. He has also participated in the FBI Task Force and the ATF Safe Neighborhoods Task Force.
All of these positions and responsibilities have necessitated strong and clear communication and decisiveness and drive, strengths that will be critical while serving as one of the Uintah County Commissioners. He is the most qualified for the job with 25 years of supervisory experience and 20 years as a Uintah County employee.
Keith loves this community and looks forward to continuing to protect our town while also focusing on building and improving the wonderful culture that we have here in the Uintah Basin.
