Vernal Police Chief Gary Jensen made his resignation official during last week’s city council meeting by saying goodbye to what has become some very good friends on the council and city administration. Jensen is moving to Logan to become the Chief of Police.

“The past four years has been a wonderful experience,” stated Jensen. “Thank you for your understanding that has brought me to where I am today.”

Jensen thanked the council for being so understanding of police issues and needs over the past few years and complimented the mayor and council for being so professional in their management of the city and the police department.

“I don’t think you can ever be replaced,” Jensen stated to the council as a whole. “You care about the city and governmental issues, but you also care about each other and that is commendable both here and in the state.”

Jensen thanked them for taking a chance with him by hiring him as their police chief four and a half years ago and for the opportunity that this position has given him to grow in his field of choice.

“Thanks for seeing potential in him and giving him a chance,” stated Michele Jensen, Gary’s wife. “He is worried that he can’t replace such a good council. This has been like a four year honeymoon for him.”

Michelle also felt the council was very helpful in making the Vernal police department one of the best around.

“Thanks for your support, the experience and the opportunity,” she concluded.

Jensen voiced to the council that he felt there were some very capable people in the department who need to be considered in replacing him.

“I feel I can walk away and have confidence of others stepping up and serving the community they way it needs to be done,” said Jensen.

Council comments included Jensen’s organizational skills and his ability to answer their questions promptly and professionally and his ability to unite the officers in the department.

JoAnn Cowan commented that he had organized a police force where officers from other departments want to come over and join.