Kyle Curtis

I nominate Deputy Kyle Curtis for Employee of the Month. I am sure he would rather I not, however I believe that he is worthy of this and deserves it.

I have had the opportunity to work with Kyle for several years. With this opportunity I have observed that he is constantly looking for ways to improve himself, his teammates, the Sheriff’s Office, and even other departments. Kyle is constantly looking for ways to get training for deputies and other departments on Search and Seizure, Officer Involved Critical Incidents, Peer Support and much more. It is not uncommon for Kyle to stop out and assist other agencies on calls or traffic stops that may not have as many experienced officers. He is willing to assist them in working through the call or stop, with questions, even though many times it would be much easier for him to just take the call. Kyle has been with the Utah County Sheriff's Office since spring of 2021, prior to that he was with Springville Police Department. During his time here Kyle has worked in patrol in Eagle Mountain, the Recreation Enforcement Team, and is a member of the Utah County SWAT Team. Kyle takes each of these roles seriously and has worked hard to find ways to improve in each of them. The biggest of which was his idea for a patrol training on searching and hostage rescue.

“Due to Kyle’s seeing a need in patrol countywide, he created a class to help not only his own department, but all departments throughout the county. He has spent countless hours recognizing key training needs to put this school together. Due to his time on SWAT and with the help of other SWAT team members, he has created a class that helps address the worst situations any cop can respond to. With the creation of this school, he will be helping countless of patrolmen be able to effectively respond to any hostage situation”. Sgt. King

Kyle has gone as far and to putting together a large presentation to be given to POST so that this can be recognized as a POST certified training. Though I know there are several who have put in numerous hours planning (Deputy Matt Cunningham as another big participant) it was Kyle’s brainchild and he has ran headlong into the battle to get it approved.

Kyle wears another hat and that is President of the Utah County Lodge 31 of the Fraternal Order of Police. I would normally not bring this into the nomination, however with the recent tragedy in Santaquin, UT, the murder of Sgt. Bill Hooser, I believe Kyle went above and beyond. Kyle spent numerous hours in Santaquin while off duty volunteering his time and talents for the officers of the Santaquin Police Department. Kyle was quick to offer peer support to these officers during this difficult time. Kyle worked tirelessly to make sure the officers had food, places to gather, access to support, and a shoulder lean on. Kyle was there to assist Santaquin PD with working through some of the benefit forms that allow the family of our fallen brother to receive assistance. Kyle also helped put together a dinner for friends, officers, and family, after the graveside service.

I feel that for these two reasons and many more like it, Deputy Kyle Curtis is fitting to receive this award.

• Sgt. Nich Friedrichsen