Composite image with background photo of IgorIgorevich and overlay of Washington City Police Chief Jason Williams, Washington City, Utah, date unspecified | Photo overlaid by iStock / Getty Images Plus; photo overlay courtesy of Mariam Davis, St. George News

ST. GEORGE – Washington City Police Chief Jason Williams was chosen as one of 40 recipients of the International Association of Chiefs of Police “40 Under 40” award.

The “40 Under 40” awards program is designed to recognize individuals under the age of 40 in the world of law enforcement who embody excellence in the field and demonstrate leadership and commitment. solid towards their profession. These awardees represent all levels of law enforcement agencies, including state, local, academic, military, and federal.

In the United States alone, there are more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies and more than 900,000 local, state, district and federal law enforcement officials, according to information obtained. from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and USA Facts.

Each winner was chosen for their demonstration of strong values ​​and commitment to the field of law enforcement and the communities they serve by leading by example, serving as role models, providing mentorship, developing skills. effective methodologies for their agencies and taking advantage of every opportunity to empower those around them.

They go beyond their position and role in law enforcement to improve their communities to make them a better place for the public and future generations.

Interestingly, municipal police departments employ more than half of all public safety officers in the United States, including in Washington City, where Williams, a 17-year veteran of the service who took the helm three years ago. years, was selected to receive the award from a large pool of applicants from seven countries, including the United States, Canada, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, India and the Solomon Islands, and was the only candidate selected from Utah.

The award recipients are honored at a banquet typically held at the annual conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police scheduled to take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, but the event was canceled this year after Hurricane Ida hit the region with heavy rains which caused flooding in many low lying areas. Instead, the presentation was done through a virtual platform.

The nomination package sent to the international organization included letters from Washington Mayor Ken Neilson as well as Washington City Manager Jeremy Redd, who told St. George News that the decision to nominate Williams for the price stemmed from professionalism. and the experience the chef consistently brings to the table, he said, and for the phenomenal contribution he has made to the community.

He went on to say that the community’s support is evidenced by the fact that every time he and Williams have dated in public, there has never been a moment when a member of the community hasn’t stopped. to say hello to the chef, and it’s obvious the residents know Williams cares about the people the department serves.

“And the fact that he’s under 40 bodes well for our city and means we have many years to build on his leadership here,” Redd said.

The other piece that weighed heavily on the city council concerned the leader’s leadership skills and the way he interacts with his officers, the city manager said, traits that cannot be implemented through the training or hiring practices, but are characteristics that make up a person. It is also well known in the police department that Williams would never ask his officers to do something he himself wouldn’t do, be it controlling traffic at the scene of an accident, backing up or the response to a high-profile arrest.

It was through these daily interactions that Redd said Williams showed how much he cared for those who served in the department, and that’s what also brought out the best in the officers he leads – which in turn instilled a level of loyalty and commitment that is also reciprocal.

“His officers know he cares about them and they would follow him anywhere,” Redd added.

Mariam Davis, who retired as an administrative assistant with the Washington City Police Department last month, sent in the nomination package which included an essay she wrote that described Williams as having ” exemplary leadership skills ”and who“ walks the walk ”.

Davis also wrote that Williams has fought hard for his officers for better equipment, vehicles and other department improvements, she said, and he continues his efforts to boost morale.

Davis also included comments from the officers, including one who said Williams is not rushing into a decision, but carefully examines the different points of view presented before deciding what is best for the community, city and department. . Another officer described the chief as a compassionate person who places the well-being of officers and their families as a top priority.

For Williams, learning that he was one of the award recipients came as a shock, he said, and that he was touched by the nomination. He also said he was honored that the city council and the department would contact the international organization and submit his name to be considered for the award.

Ultimately, he said, all recognition belongs to the entire police department, as it takes the efforts of all of its officers and their commitment to serving the Washington City community, which is what makes of service what it is.

“It was a moment of pride and humility for me as the head of the department,” said Williams.

In the letter to the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Redd described Williams as “the prototype of what it takes to be an effective leader of a police force in this new era of transparency, openness, responsibility and digitization “.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police is the world’s largest and most influential professional association for chiefs of police. With more than 30,000 members in 150 countries, the association has served communities around the world speaking on behalf of law enforcement and advancing leadership and professionalism in the police for over 100 years. .

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