These and many more efforts by the department are now being recognized.

According to a press release from Ogden City Tuesday, two important figures with the department are being recognized for their efforts to make Ogden a safer place.

“Today, Ogden City proudly announces two statewide honors that reflect that commitment and the values behind The Ogden Way: Police Chief Jake Sube has been named Chief of the Year by the Utah Chiefs of Police Association, and Detective Breianna Bakker has been awarded the 2026 Large Department Officer of the Year,” the release said. “The Utah Chiefs of Police Association’s annual awards recognize exceptional law enforcement professionals across the state for leadership, service, and commitment to community. These honors are among the highest distinctions in Utah law enforcement.”

The release notes that Sube, who was appointed Chief in October 2024, has seen several accomplishments in just a couple of short years at the helm.

Photo supplied, Ogden City

“Under Chief Sube’s leadership, the department achieved its highest staffing level in history, supported by a 400% year-over-year increase in lateral hires and a 2,400% increase over the past two years,” the release said. “During the same period, attrition dropped by 63%, reflecting a stronger, more stable workforce.”

Operational highlights during this period include:

• “837 warrant arrests
• Calls for service decreased by 4%
• Cases requiring detective follow-up dropped by 15%
• Proactive policing increased by 16%
• Patrol-initiated investigations rose by 17%”

The press release further notes several other improvements in public safety under Sube’s tenure.

“These efforts contributed to meaningful public safety outcomes, including a 14% reduction in Part I crime, a 4% decrease in crimes against persons, and a 10% reduction in property crimes,” the release said. “Use-of-force incidents declined by 22%, reaching the lowest annual total on record. Customer satisfaction reached a 10-year high, and the department achieved approximately $680,000 in cost savings.”

However, Sube said that none of these achievements are his alone.

“I am truly honored by this recognition, but I do not see it as an individual achievement,” he said in the release. “I see it as a reflection of the people of the Ogden Police Department and the strong support we receive from City Administration. The progress we have made over the past year is the result of a committed team — leadership, officers, and professional staff — working together with city partners who believe in our mission and support the work we do on behalf of this community.”

Detective Brieanna Bakker was recognized for her work on a decades-old kidnapping and sexual assault case spanning from 2024 through 2025. This work led to the identification, arrest and extradition of an individual accused in multiple violent crimes across several states.

“Assigned to the Special Victims Unit within the Investigations Division, Detective Bakker reopened cold cases dating back to 1994 and 1997,” the release said. “Through extensive case review, forensic analysis, and coordination with local and out-of-state agencies, she confirmed the suspect’s identity through DNA evidence and connected multiple offenses across jurisdictions.

“Her investigation culminated in the suspect’s extradition to Utah, where the individual was booked on charges including aggravated kidnapping and rape, among other charges. Detective Bakker continued developing the case following the arrest to support the prosecution and pursue the fullest measure of accountability available under the law.”

Sube gave Detective Bakker high praise.

“I am incredibly proud of Detective Brianna Bakker and the work that led to this recognition,” he said in the release. “Her efforts in bringing closure to a sexual assault cold case speak to the kind of officer she is — thoughtful, determined, and deeply committed to being a voice for victims. Her work brought accountability where it was needed and helped provide meaningful closure to victims and their families.”

Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski said these honors go to show that the Ogden City Police Department is a prime example of professionalism.

“In a world that too often focuses on the negative, it’s important to recognize the real stories happening every day — stories of dedication, integrity, and service like we see in our police department,” he said in the release. “You don’t have a Chief of the Year and an Officer of the Year without having the very best department in the state. These honors reflect the professionalism, commitment, and heart of the men and women of OPD, who serve this community with excellence every single day and set the standard for what public service should look like.”