Nearly 25 years protecting and serving our community. Ready to lead the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office with a focus on protecting families, strengthening trust, and delivering real results.
For nearly 25 years, I've dedicated my career to protecting the residents of Wasatch County. From my time as a Patrol Officer to serving as a School Resource Officer and D.A.R.E. instructor, to my current role as Director of Emergency Management and 911 Communications; every position has prepared me for this moment.
My time in the school district working with children was remarkable. Teaching the D.A.R.E. program and helping children make good choices, teaching them problem-solving skills - that's what community policing is all about. I also served as a D.A.R.E. Utah facilitator, and was responsible for the training and certification of D.A.R.E. officers nationwide. Those years taught me that real public safety starts with relationships - listening, teaching, and
being present.
I’ve always believed that the Sheriff’s Office should be a model of accountability and community
trust. After nearly 25 years of service, I’m ready to bring that leadership to the Office
Wasatch County is growing, and our challenges are changing. My experience in emergency management and community policing has prepared me to lead with steadiness, transparency, and a focus on keeping families safe
Utah POST Certified in Corrections and Law Enforcement
FEMA Academy Graduate trained to lead during crises
Utah Certified Emergency Manager experienced in coordinating multi-agency response
SWAT Team Leader prepared for high-risk situations with calm, disciplined leadership
My Platform
A PLAN FOR A SAFER WASATCH COUNTY
This plan reflects the kind of steady, accountable leadership our county deserves.
DEPUTY SUPPORT & RETENTION
Provide our Deputies with annual training plans, mentorship programs, to reduce burnout, turnover, and ensure our deputies are supported in a way that benefits our community.
COMMUNITY CRIME PREVENTION
Formalize a Community Crime Prevention Strategy with regular community meetings, data-driven deployment, and zero tolerance for repeat violent offenders paired with early intervention for juveniles.
JAIL & CORRECTIONS SUPPORT
Ensure adequate staffing needs, mental health coordination standards, and clear disciplinary policies to maintain order and safety for both our staff and our community. Improve education, job training, and support efforts to combat recidivism.
INTERAGENCY COORDINATION
Clear Agreements with Partner Agencies to simplify and work seamlessly in emergency situations. Annual multi-agency exercises, and clear command authority during major incidents, not just handshake deals.
TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY
Implement an annual Sheriff's Public Accountability Report with use-of-force summaries, staffing metrics, response times, budget use, and equipment investments. Designated Public Information Officer for timely updates. I was involved in the 2002 Winter Olympics, and I will apply those lessons as Utah prepares to host the 2034 Games, ensuring Wasatch County is prepared, coordinated, and ready to lead
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
Protecting the Constitutional rights of every citizen, including First Amendment freedoms and Second Amendment rights, while ensuring our community is safe, respected, and treated equally under the law.
Experience
PROVEN TRACK RECORD
From patrol officer to Emergency Management and 911 Director, this career reflects decades of hands-on public safety leadership—built on service, accountability, and results.
These experiences have prepared me to lead the Sheriff’s Office with steadiness, transparency, and an unwavering focus on protecting our community.
EDUCATION
B.S. in Emergency Management Administration (In Progress) — Utah Valley University
Focused on large-scale incident coordination, preparedness planning, and public safety leadership.
FEMA CERTIFIED
FEMA Basic Academy Graduate (2021) — trained to lead during major disasters and complex emergencies
ICS Train-the-Trainer (2018) — experienced in coordinating multi-agency response under unified command
STATE CERTIFIED
Utah Emergency Manager (2019) — certified to oversee countywide preparedness, response, and recovery
Utah POST / Corrections (2001) — foundation in law enforcement and corrections standards
LEADERSHIP
President, Utah Emergency Managers Association (2017–2020)
Led statewide collaboration among emergency managers to strengthen preparedness and response across Utah.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Secured $12+ million in state and federal funding for Dollar Ridge Fire and Flood Emergency Watershed Restoration — bringing critical recovery resources home without raising taxes.
Led response and recovery efforts for record-setting 2023 snowfall coordinating private, local, state, and federal partners to ensure timely support and uninterrupted essential services for residents.
Modernized 911 communication center by implementing new phone systems, Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols, and updated policies — improving response times and reliability for emergency calls
Key member of Wasatch County Unified Command supporting coordinated decision-making during one of the most challenging public safety crises in recent history.
Managed over 300+ emergency radios and led countywide P25 migration, ensuring reliable, interoperable communications for first responders when it matters most.
Developed the 2024-2025 Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan paired with preparedness workshops that strengthened readiness across agencies and the community.
AWARDS
School Resource officer of the year 2009
Pride Award from Juvenile Courts.
Utah Emergency Management Association Community Impact Award 2022
Utah Emergency Management incident of the year 2025 Yellow Lake Fire
Frequently Asked Questions
GET TO KNOW JEREMY HALES
Learn about Jeremy's experience, platform, and vision for Wasatch County.
Who is Jeremy Hales and why is he running for Wasatch County Sheriff?
Jeremy Hales is a nearly 25-year veteran of the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office and currently serves as the Director of Emergency Management and 911 Communications for Wasatch County, Utah. He is running for Sheriff because he believes Wasatch County deserves experienced, accountable leadership focused on community safety, deputy support, and transparent government. His career includes service as a Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, D.A.R.E. instructor, SWAT Team Leader, and Emergency Management Director.
What are Jeremy Hales' top priorities as Sheriff?
Jeremy's top priorities include Deputy Support and Retention through annual training plans and mentorship programs; a formalized Community Crime Prevention Strategy with regular community meetings and data-driven deployment; Jail and Corrections improvements with adequate staffing and mental health coordination; Interagency Coordination with clear mutual-aid agreements; Transparency and Accountability through an annual Sheriff's Public Accountability Report; and protecting the Constitutional rights of every citizen, including Second Amendment rights.
What is Jeremy Hales' law enforcement experience?
Jeremy Hales has nearly 25 years of full-time law enforcement and public safety experience in Wasatch County. He is Utah POST certified in both Corrections and Law Enforcement, served as a Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, D.A.R.E. instructor and statewide D.A.R.E. facilitator, SWAT Team Leader, and currently serves as Wasatch County's Director of Emergency Management and 911 Communications. He is also a FEMA Basic Academy Graduate and serves on the Great Basin Incident Management Team.
Does Jeremy Hales support the Second Amendment?
Yes. Jeremy Hales is committed to protecting the Constitutional rights of every citizen, including Second Amendment rights. His platform explicitly includes defending First Amendment freedoms and Second Amendment rights while ensuring the community is safe, respected, and treated equally under the law.
How will Jeremy Hales improve transparency in the Sheriff's Office?
Jeremy plans to implement an annual Sheriff's Public Accountability Report that includes use-of-force summaries, staffing metrics, response times, budget use, and equipment investments. He will designate a Public Information Officer for timely community updates. He believes the Sheriff's Office should be accountable to taxpayers and spend public funds responsibly — not treat the budget like a personal piggy bank.
How will Jeremy Hales support deputies and reduce turnover?
Jeremy plans to provide deputies with annual training plans, mentorship programs, and a supportive work environment to reduce burnout and turnover. He believes in holding deputies accountable while also creating a workplace where they want to serve. His goal is a well-trained, well-supported team that delivers better outcomes for the community.
What is Jeremy Hales' emergency management background?
Jeremy is a FEMA Basic Academy Graduate, a Utah Certified Emergency Manager, and an ICS Train-the-Trainer. He served as President of the Utah Emergency Managers Association from 2017 to 2020. He secured over $12 million in state and federal funding for Dollar Ridge Fire and Flood recovery, led the coordinated response to the record-setting 2023 snowfall, modernized Wasatch County's 911 communication center, managed over 300 emergency radios, and received the UEMA Community Impact Award in 2022 and the Emergency Management Incident of the Year award in 2025.
What is Jeremy Hales' approach to community policing?
Jeremy believes real public safety starts with relationships — listening, teaching, and being present in the community. His years as a School Resource Officer and D.A.R.E. instructor taught him the value of community-centered policing. As Sheriff, he plans to formalize a Community Crime Prevention Strategy with regular community meetings, data-driven deployment, zero tolerance for repeat violent offenders, and early intervention programs for juveniles.
Who has endorsed Jeremy Hales for Wasatch County Sheriff?
Jeremy has been endorsed by Former Wasatch County Sheriff Todd Bonner, retired Sergeant Kimberly Butler, retired Lieutenant Brian W. Gardner, the Utah Emergency Management Association (UEMA), Gwen Sanchez of the Great Basin Incident Management Team and U.S. Forest Service, Rob Simonson LCSW and former Juvenile Probation Officer, and numerous other law enforcement professionals and community members who have worked alongside him. Read all endorsements →
How can I support or get involved with the Jeremy Hales campaign?
You can support the campaign by donating at our WinRed page, signing up for updates, volunteering your time, or requesting a yard sign. Visit jeremyhalesforsheriff.com for the latest campaign events and ways to get involved. Every contribution makes a difference in bringing accountable leadership to Wasatch County.
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