Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Chief,

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible impact you've had on my life and career. You gave me my start in law enforcement back in 1984, a pivotal moment that shaped my future. Your leadership and dedication during those formative years left a lasting impression on me.

After the significant budget cuts of 1986, my journey led me to Grantsville, where I had the honor of being promoted to sergeant. By 1992, I found myself stepping into the role of chief, a position I approached with the lessons I learned from watching you lead. Your exemplary management of the Roosevelt Police Department served as a model for how I aspired to run my own department.

Your unwavering dedication as a chief and your loyalty to your officers were not only inspiring but also set a standard that I strived to uphold throughout my career. I retired in 2012 after twenty fulfilling years as the Grantsville Chief of Police, always carrying with me the values and principles I learned from you.

You are truly one of the finest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and I am proud to call you both my mentor and my friend.

With deepest respect and gratitude,

Danny A. Johnson

Retired Chief Danny A Johnson
Grantsville Police Department

November 5, 2025

Heavenly Father, I come before You today grieved in heart over the divisions in our country; the United States of America. I grieve for every life lost to violence, regardless of color or creed. And I especially grieve this day over the senseless deaths of America’s Peace Officers whose sworn duty is to protect us from harm. Please grant comfort and hope to their families. I know from the Holy Scriptures in Romans 13 that Peace Officers have a sacred task, to enforce laws that protect the innocent and punish the guilty. I pray that You will protect them as they serve us. Give them wisdom, discernment, and a deep desire to serve You. Please surround every Peace Officer in our nation, the United States of America, with battalions of warring angels to protect them from harm. I stand in the powerful and mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ against every work of Satan intended to inflict injury and death on our Protectors. May Satan’s power be thwarted, in Your mighty and holy name, and his plans exposed by Your Light. In the mighty and holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Redeemer, and the Mediator between us, Heavenly Father, in prayer, and by His authority, I pray! Amen.

Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];

"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained/Licensed Independent WCM Clergy (06/01/2020)
The Steven R. Closs Ministries - Chartered by WCM No. 31528
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA
Member: National Association of Christian Ministers (NACM)

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

July 5, 2025

Chief,
You were 25 years old, I was 22 years old when we began working together at RPD. You became a true brother and best friend. It’s been about 24 years since you “graduated” from this life and began your new life in Paradise. I’m 70 years old now, and still, every day, have memories and thoughts of you, through good times and bad. I pray for your family. I know you are alright! Looking forward to seeing you again!! As always, love, respect, and admiration from me to you! You are not forgotten. Your legacy is shared continuously.

Officer Anonymous
Roosevelt Police Department

June 23, 2025

Chief,
You were 25 years old, I was 22 years old when we began working together at RPD. You became a true brother and best friend. It’s been about 24 years since you “graduated” from this life and began your new life in Paradise. I’m 70 years old now, and still, every day, have memories and thoughts of you, through good times and bad. I pray for your family. I know you are alright! Looking forward to seeing you again!! As always, love, respect, and admiration from me to you! You are not forgotten. Your legacy is shared continuously.

Officer Anonymous
Roosevelt Police Department

June 23, 2025

I was one of Cecil's Officer's back in the early 80's. I still have such vivid and loving memories of my days at Roosevelt PD. I tried for so long to get hired as a Police Officer and Cecil finally brought me on board. I will never forget working for him. Rest in peace my friend.

Police Officer Patrolman Tom Reynolds
Retired from Syracuse Utah PD

July 7, 2022

I think of you often Cecil! You served our community many faithful years. Thank you for your serve!

Russell Raza
Friend

July 26, 2021

It's been a while. I wish you could be here. I miss and think of you every day.

Son
Son

April 14, 2021

Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, proclaimed, “Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department

February 28, 2021

Thank you for your service, both military and police, and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 6, 2020

Miss you, and we think of you often. I look forward to your embrace.

Son
Son

July 6, 2020

What a wonderful and truly generous human being exemplifying our most courageous....simply the best we can be.

Marcell
Nephew

December 16, 2019

Rest in peace Chief of Police Gurr.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2019

My condolences to the family and friends.

Hannah Penn, Law Inforcement Supporter
Friend of Ofc. Eric Wayne Mumaw EOW 2/2/17

April 21, 2017

Miss you dad... I'm excited for my new baby girl. I hope you are helping prepare her for the challenges that await.

Son
Son

January 18, 2017

Its been almost 15 years since I last looked into your eyes. It seems like a whole life ago but at the same time It was just yesterday. I miss you so!
The UPOA honored you this past weekend in Moab Utah. The fallen Hero ATV Trail hosts an event each year honoring 14 of Utah’s Hero’s. You were one of the chosen this year. The ATV ride was so much fun. Thanks to your father, all 17 members of the family were able to attend. I’m so thankful you are not forgotten in the Law enforcement community. Our Children have done well and I know you are as proud of them as I am. We had a great weekend with the grandkids. You are alive in them. We are proud of the heritage you have given us. We love and miss you more than words can say.
As always

Wife

April 16, 2016

Miss you dad... think of you often. Life is good, but would be much better if you were here.

Son/Friend/Admirer
Son

January 8, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 15, 2015

I remember going to visit you, Lynette and uncle Beryl and aunt Frankie as a child. You and your dad always had a presence of goodness to your ora. I got to see your dad as an adult but missed getting the chance to see you. Have lots of love for you and your family. I know you will always be missed but never forgotten. Proud to have such a hero for my cousin.

Nicaleen Oberhansly Storey
cousin

July 6, 2015

Chief. I miss you. I miss you making our ways into the ways along the green river, freezing, but we got to feel like how it felt to wait and work hard. YOU taught me that Cecil.

Sgt, Director
Vernal Pd. Narcotic Strike Force Director.

February 19, 2014

.... I wish we could talk like we use to... conversations with you these days seem so one sided... there is such a hole in me without you, I'm so sad that you can't hug my girls, they have been cheated. I miss you...

Anonymous

September 28, 2012

Thinking of you and your family today. With love and admiration to you all. Holley Orr

Wife of Kevin Orr Holley Orr

July 6, 2012

Thank you Hero for your long and dedicated service to both your Country and Law Enforcement. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and close friends. I'll end with this quote from "Norton":

"Those we hold most dear never truly leave us.
They live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort
They shared and the love they brought into our lives."

Bob Gordon, Ret. Deputy Chief
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 6, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 6, 2012

Dear Papa Bear-
I miss you like crazy. I wish so bad for you sometimes. There is so much to tell you, and so much I wish I could show you. I am sure you would be surprised at how much loosing you has changed me. I wish I could have been better about it, but I felt destroyed right down to the core. I know you came to K's Eagle Scout program, and I can't tell you how much that meant to me. I have mixed feelings about it, because if I would have known, I would have liked for you to see more of yourself in our lives- but I am glad I didn't insert it because I knew for sure you came and it wasn't me projecting it. I think you would be so proud of our boy. I bet you have helped him. I hope so, and I am counting on it in the future. As I am with my other kids. I am amazed at the feelings I remember and how I just know for sure how I would feel if I could see you now. I miss you- I miss your smiling face and quiet comfort. I loved how you laughed, but tried to hide it. I love remembering you whistle through your teeth. I loved how you loved my son- The blankie rides, the cop outfits, the spoiling... I knew it was a rare thing, you were amazing with my kids. I love you so much. Thank you for all you have done for me ~for all you contributed to my life and my future. You were all that a girl could ever hope to have in a pop. I know you are in a far better place, but I miss you very much. Happy Father's Day, Sugar Bear

Anonymous

June 18, 2012

Cecil was a Good Friend...I worked along side of him on many cases we will miss you...and god bless.

Gregory Littlewhiteman, Police Officer
US Bureau of Indian Affairs LES

April 23, 2012