HURRICANE — Family, friends and relatives nearly filled the Hurricane City Council chambers Thursday to bid farewell to two officers with 40 combined years of service in law enforcement.
Officer Jayson Despain graduated from Hurricane High School in 2000 and spent his entire 20-year career with the Hurricane City Police Department. He has served as a school resource officer and was the city’s first K-9 handler. His partner, K-9 Paige, has since retired from the force.
Officer Ken Thompson, one of several military veterans working on the force, spent 19 of his 20 years in law enforcement protecting the residents of Hurricane Valley.
Councilman Dave Sanders told those in attendance that he has known the two officers since their first years on the force.
“It has been an honor to watch them grow and it’s time for them to retire,” he said. “I think Ken will be spending all his time up in Panguitch fishing.”
The council was also introduced to their newest staff, Officer Brian Boldt, who graduated from the police academy last week. And Officer Doug Thornton brings 27 year’s previous law enforcement experience to the department.
“There is not a day that goes by when we get those reports, and I recognize the importance of having good policy and having police that are here to protect and defend our community,” Mayor Nanette Billings said.
The council officially declared the month of April as Child Abuse Awareness Month in Hurricane. Washington County Children’s Justice Center Director Kristy Pike presented civic leaders with statistical data on the children they provide services to and thanked the police department for their vigilance.
“I have to give a huge shout-out to your police department — you have a fabulous police department here in Hurricane,” she said.
She noted Hurricane Police Chief Lynn Excell serves on the nonprofit organization’s advisory board and has been committed to protecting the youth in the county for many years.
During the proceeding, Billings encouraged residents to participate in the nationwide recognition during April to bring awareness to local resources available to those who suspect a child is being abused.
“Whereas, our children are also some of the most vulnerable members of our society, and their protection is of the greatest importance,” she read from the official proclamation. “Therefore, addressing child abuse and neglect is an effort we all must undertake as a community.”
Billings then thanked the Washington County Children’s Justice Center, childcare providers, doctors, nurses, police officers, social workers, teachers and therapists for their selfless profession.
“We, the Mayor and City Council of Hurricane, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2023 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Hurricane City, Utah and urge our citizens to join in preventing child abuse and providing ongoing support for survivors,” she stated.
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