KAYSVILLE — After 34 years with Kaysville Police Department, Chief Mike Lee is retiring.
On April 9, Lee, 62, announced his intentions to retire from the city effective May 31.
He said his plan is to enjoy his seven grandchildren and a trailer he owns.
“I don’t have any plans of doing a lot. Hopefully, we’ll have a good life," he said.
Lee has been with the city police department for 34 years, the last four years as its chief, City Manager John Thacker said.
“Chief Lee has been a real asset to Kaysville. He has given his life for the good of Kaysville, and we want the best for him,” Thacker said.
Farewell parties for Lee will be scheduled, but not before the city begins its search in earnest for Lee’s successor.
“We do what is best for Kaysville. In some cases, it is best to do a broad search. In some cases, we’re able to promote from within. It depends on what is best for the department and what is available for the department,” Thacker said.
Four years ago the city appointed from within the department, naming Lee as the replacement for former Chief Dave Helquist.
“I do suspect we will be doing a broad search. A matter of fact, I know we will be doing a broad search. That is where we look beyond the (personnel in the) department,” Thacker said.
The city will begin its broad search for a replacement April 16, Thacker said.
The position opening will be posted on the city website at www.kaysvillecity.com.
The city also will contact police organizations and their affiliates, Thacker said.
Mayor Steve Hiatt said he supports the idea of opening up the chief’sposition to all interested parties.
“I think that is the best process,” Hiatt said.
Lee has provided Kaysville with long and dedicated service and is to be commended for the time he has given to the city, Hiatt said.
Lee said he was originally hired Sept. 1, 1977, as a patrolman.
“I was the eighth officer that they had hired,” Lee said, who during his career served as what would be the equivalent of a school resource officer before working
investigations.
The promotions then followed, with Lee going from sergeant to lieutenant and then captain, before being named chief in February 2008.
“You come to work and everything was different. It was never the same thing. Every day you had different types of calls,” said Lee, who came to appreciate the change in the daily work routine.
Over his career, Lee said, he also has experienced a lot of changes.
“The law has changed. The equipment has changed,” Lee said. Officers now carry cellphones and have personal computers in their patrol vehicles. “I’ve seen a lot of changes. It has been for the good.”
And now that he’s retiring, Lee said, he will miss the officers and camaraderie they share.
“But it’s been a good career. Kaysville has treated me good.”
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