January 14, 2022
Steven G. Adams, Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police for Spanish Fork City, will step into retirement and conclude his 37 years of law enforcement service on Friday, January 14, 2022.
Adams began his career in law enforcement in 1985 with Mapleton City, was hired by Spanish Fork City in 1988, and was named Chief in 2012. During his career with Spanish Fork, Adams was quickly promoted to Investigative Sergeant in 1991. He was promoted again in 2004 to Lieutenant and named Chief and Public Safety Director in 2012.
During his tenure as director of public safety, Spanish Fork grew from 28 to 42 full-time police officers and transitioned to 24-hour staffing for EMS out of the newly constructed Station 62.
As Chief of Police, Adams implemented the K9 unit, honor guard, and safe school walks. He also hired a full-time Victim Advocate, provided Narcan for each officer to carry, started the Public Safety Night Out, and placed police radios to every school in Spanish Fork. Adams acknowledges that the success of these programs came from many hands and minds working together.
In his 37 years, Adams has earned many awards including the Valor Award, Lifesaving Award (three separate times), Utah Police Officer of the Year in 2005, the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2012, and Utah Police Chief of the Year in 2019.
Under Chief Adams, Spanish Fork City was named the Safest City in Utah in 2021 and the 11th safest in the country. Adams attributes this accolade to the great men and women in public safety and the support they receive from Spanish Fork residents.