Chief of Police Cecil F. Gurr, Roosevelt Police Department, Utah

Chief of Police Cecil F. Gurr

Roosevelt Police Department, Utah

End of Watch Friday, July 6, 2001

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Cecil F. Gurr

Chief of Police Cecil Gurr was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call.

A convenience store clerk called police after witnessing a male subject forcing a woman into his car. When officers arrived on the scene, the suspect, who was armed with a rifle, held them at bay as he held his ex-girlfriend hostage. As Chief Gurr exited his patrol car the man opened fire on him, killing him instantly. The man forced the woman into the truck and fled the scene. They were stopped several blocks away and the subject was taken into custody.

On September 20th, 2002, the man was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Chief Gurr was a Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Roosevelt Police Department for 27 years, being chief for over 20 of those years. He is survived by his wife and three grown children.

Bio

Age 50
Tour 27 years
Badge 1
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle
Offender Sentenced to life

domestic

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Most Recent Reflection

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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