by Sean Hales, Box Elder News Journal
At a ceremony on Tuesday, March 24, Brigham City Police Chief Chad Reyes was recognized as Chief of the Year for mid-sized departments by the Utah Chiefs of Police Association following a roller-coaster year of heartbreak and controversy.
“Chief Reyes exemplifies courage, resilience, and service. His leadership has strengthened not only his own department but policing across Northern Utah. He sets the standard for what a police chief should be,” wrote Tremonton-Garland Police Chief Dustin Cordova in a letter nominating Reyes for the honor.
Reyes, who has served a little more than four years with Brigham City, and 27 overall in law enforcement, was nominated by Cordova, in part due to Reyes’ actions following the shooting deaths of two Tremonton-Garland officers in August while responding to a domestic violence call.
“His greatest impact on my department came during our darkest hour,” Cordova wrote in his nomination. “When two of our officers were murdered, many hesitated to shoulder the immense responsibility of coordinating two full police funerals. Chief Reyes stepped forward without hesitation. He led the logistics for both funerals and honors processions, ensuring our fallen were honored with dignity and that their families and our officers were supported.
“He went further. Chief Reyes arranged patrol staffing on our behalf and committed multiple resources from his agency—including patrol and investigations—to support us during and after the incident. He filled critical gaps so our department could grieve, regroup, and continue serving the community without interruption. His willingness to stand with us at that moment was humbling.”
Cordova also noted Reyes’ “decisive leadership” and “unwavering commitment to safety” as Reyes transformed the Brigham City Police Department through strategic partnerships that included “strengthened regional SWAT capabilities” and improving the department’s leadership structure, leading to improved morale and operational effectiveness.
Cordova also noted Reyes’ leadership in addressing “long-standing dispatch failures” with the state-operated Box Elder Communications Center, and finding a solution.
Reyes’ role in switching from Box Elder dispatch to Weber Area 911 was controversial.
“Chief Reyes has taken criticism and personal attacks for pushing needed change, yet he never wavered,” Cordova wrote. “He carried the weight of leadership, stood firm, and continued forward for the good of his people… Every decision is guided by one priority: protecting officers and the community.”
Reyes said the tragedy, controversy, and personal attacks he endured makes the award even more impactful, and referenced a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. about doing the right thing, even if it’s the hard thing.
“This year has been trying to say the least, but this award is even more meaningful for me because it's been a hard year,” Reyes said. “I always try to let my decisions be guided by what I think is going to be best for the citizens who have entrusted me to ensure their safety and seek justice on their behalf, and by what is going to provide my officers the absolute best chance of going home safely at the end of each shift. I've taken a lot of criticism over several of the decisions I've made over the last few years, but I stand by each of them and would make the same choices today. This award means a ton to me because it means that at least some people, citizens and officers alike, understand my decisions were made with their best interest in my mind and my heart, not for any other reason.”
Regarding his department’s service to TGPD in their hour of need, Reyes said, “…it was my agency's honor and distinction to help with this solemn task and stand in solidarity with TGPD and the fallen officers' families. Tragedies like the one that happened in August of last year remind us all what's truly important and I can confidently say, witnessing the overwhelming…support from the community was monumental and much needed for our law enforcement family.”
Through the controversy that followed Brigham City’s decision to switch to Weber Area 911, Reyes said he asked himself, “’Why am I subjecting myself to this?’ Fortunately, I've always been able to find satisfaction and meaning in what I do.”
Reyes said the award doesn’t really belong only to him. It belongs as much to the officers who pin on a badge, swear an oath, and have a “send me” mentality, as well as city officials who support him and realize “what it’s all about.”
He said that while he once was committed to having a “send me” attitude—and that he hopes he still is—his current job is different.
“My purpose and satisfaction now comes from knowing that, even when it's a hard and personal fight, I'm still doing everything I can to ensure those that are courageous and noble enough to say, ‘send me,’ also come back,” Reyes said. “BCPD and Brigham City as a whole are an amazing family, and the award really belongs to them. I'm a lucky and privileged man to be part of such a terrific organization and I have no intention of quitting on them.”
Reyes had particular words for Brigham City’s staff and elected leadership for their role in the award.
“I'm astonished and amazed at the willingness and conviction my command staff, the Brigham City administration and the city council has to do what's right and let the consequences follow,” Reyes said. “Their support and readiness to fight the fight and pay the price with me has impressed and amazed me, and I'm so grateful for it. This award is because of them.”
This article was provided by the Box Elder News Journal as a courtesy to Brigham City residents. It appeared in the March 25, 2026, paper with the title "BC's Reyes tapped for Chief of the Year honor"