SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah, Aug. 12, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — Salt Lake County has made its choice for the sheriff to replace Jim Winder, who left the position mid-term.
Rosie Rivera, chief of the Unified Police Department’s Riverton Precinct, will be the Salt Lake County sheriff for the next 16 months, after her official approval Tuesday by the Salt Lake County Council. State law does give the council the power to refuse the appointment.
Rivera’s appointment will make her both the first female and Latina to fill the position.
“It will be a very smooth transition,” she said. “I’m already at the helm of the other commanders.”
Rivera received the most votes from county Democrats during a special meeting at Salt Lake Community College. A runoff vote was held to decide between Rivera and retired UPD Chief Steve Anjewierden. The three candidates who did not make it past the first-round vote all spoke in support of Rivera.
“We together can ensure that there’s equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for everyone,” Rivera said Saturday morning. “We will hire, we will retain and we will make opportunities for everyone.”
Rivera has said she also will run for the position in 2018. Winder left office to accept a job as Moab City police chief.
Rivera favors more community policing to address issues of opioid abuse, homelessness, overcrowded jails, domestic violence, and equal rights for all. She has said she intends to “… be proactive, not reactive.”
