New chief celebrates pinning ceremony

Green River's new Chief of Police Shaun Sturlaugson wanted to focus on his work more than taking part in ceremonial events, but when his family had the chance to participate in a pinning ceremony, he obliged.

"Shaun didn't want to do a lot of hoopla," City Administrator Reed Clevenger explained during Tuesday night's City Council meeting, where the pinning ceremony took place. Clevenger added that Chief Sturlaugson's family was in town for the holidays, so it was the perfect opportunity to have them be part of the honor.

Before the pinning, Clevenger explained that Sturlaugson was recently announced as the new chief, and has been serving as the interim chief of police since April, taking over after the retirement of the previous chief, Tom Jarvie. Although Sturlaugson had "big shoes to fill," Clevenger knew from working with him during the interim months that he would be up to the task.

"It was an easy decision for me, believing he was going to be the best person and the best fit for the job," Clevenger said.

Sturlaugson has been in law enforcement for over 24 years, and spent the past 19 with the Green River Police Department. He has worked in every facet of police work, according to Clevenger, and has served in multiple leadership roles, so going from captain to interim chief to official chief was natural.

"Shaun immediately stepped into the role, understanding what already works and what tweaks were needed," Clevenger said. "He came to me with a thought-out plan for the department's future."

Sturlaugson also has worked closely with the City of Green River staff and department heads, he values the culture within the city, and he has been part of the Green River Police Department's good reputation, according to Clevenger.

After the pinning ceremony, Chief Sturlaugson addressed the council, acknowledging that the setting "isn't really my thing," but wanting to express his gratitude.

"I just want to say thank you for the opportunity, and thank you for entrusting me with this," Sturlaugson said. "I understand the responsibility and I will do the best job that I know how."

The new chief also thanked all those who have supported him personally, saying "you don't become successful, especially in law enforcement, without a lot of people around you that help you to not only become a better person but a better police officer."

Lastly Chief Sturlaugson expressed his gratitude for everyone at the GRPD.

"We consistently rank as one of the safest cities in America, and I know that the chief often gets credit for that, but the truth of the matter is it's the men and the women that work at the police department," Chief Sturlaugson said. "They make me look good, but they're the ones doing the job on the ground, so they deserve all the credit."

 "We all agree that we have one of the best police departments, not only in the state and the Rocky Mountain Region, but the United States too," Mayor Pete Rust agreed. "And that's not just words, that's what we believe."