Bret Edge named assistant police chief

A 12-year veteran of the Moab City Police Department will serve as its new assistant chief, effective immediately.

Sgt. Bret Edge was appointed to the position on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

City officials say that Edge, his wife Melissa and their son Jackson have been valued members of the department and the community since relocating here from the Denver area.

“The addition of an assistant chief position is critically important as the police department continues to face significant pressures associated with the growth of the community and complexity of issues facing not only the Moab City Police Department but the broader criminal justice system,” Moab Police Chief Jim Winder said.

In addition to the promotion of Assistant Chief Edge, Winder also announced the arrival of four new patrol officers.

Officers Richard Cordero and Ryan Burraston were brought on board within the last few weeks and are currently attending the Utah Peace Officers Academy in Salt Lake City. Officers Jason Boots and Mike Thurston, both veterans of law enforcement with experience in other police agencies, will also be joining the force in the next few weeks.

“With the addition of the assistant chief position and the four newly hired officers, the Moab City Police Department will be at its highest staffing levels in nearly three years,” Winder said. “While the agency will still not be fully staffed, the newly hired officers will be critical as the agency begins to ramp up for another busy tourist season.”

City also hires four new patrol officers