Umatilla names its new police chief
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, December 13th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA – The city of Umatilla and the Umatilla Police Department are announcing the hiring of Ronald Bridge as the new chief of police. He joins the department from Utah Tech University Police Department in Saint George, Utah. His first day on the job will be Dec. 27.
The following is from a news release issued by the city of Umatilla:
With an extensive background in law enforcement and a proven track record of excellence that spans over 25 years, Bridge brings a wealth of experience to our community.
Bridge joins the City from the Utah Tech University Police Department, where he has served with distinction since 2019, first as the Administrative Sergeant and as their Chief of Police since July 2022. Bridge’s demonstration of exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to community and public safety throughout his career helped make the decision to bring him to Umatilla.
Prior to his services at Utah Tech University, Bridge worked as a Detective Sergeant for over 20 years with the Summit County Sheriff’s Department in Utah and more than five years as a Reserve Officer for Herber City Police Department in Utah. His dedication to excellence in law enforcement has earned him several prestigious awards, including the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) Award and the Chiefs Star Service Medal.
Bridge is an alumnus of Utah Tech University, where he honed his skills and knowledge in criminal justice and law enforcement and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Bridge’s expansive and hands-on experience, together with his education and expansive training, position him well as an ideal leader for the City of Umatilla Police Department.
“Throughout our comprehensive recruitment process, Bridge consistently demonstrated that he has the desired skills, experience, and characteristics identified by police department employees, City leadership, and our elected officials. Bridge made evident a clear history of success and exhibits vision, integrity, communication, a strong desire for collaboration and partnership with his fellow officers and regional partners, decisiveness, a value of community engagement, and a genuine love for public service,” said David Stockdale, City Manager. “Umatilla has been blessed with consistency and longevity in our Police leadership for more than 25 years. Bridge’s unique task will be to continue that steady leadership at a time of historic growth and many changes to the Department and throughout the City. Many of our Department leaders are new in their positions, and his demonstrated ability and commitment to develop officers into strong leadership roles is impressive and will be a valued asset to our community. We also wanted an excellent communicator and a Chief of Police who continued our tradition of community-oriented policing, and Bridge is exactly that.”
As Chief of Police, Bridge will oversee all aspects of law enforcement operations in the City of Umatilla, focusing on community engagement, crime prevention, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members, and the strategic growth of the department, including our officers and the construction of a new Police Station.
Bridge expressed his enthusiasm for this new role, stating, “This opportunity is truly a blessing for us to come back to a small community and get to know everyone.” The City of Umatilla and Umatilla Police Department look forward to the positive impact that Bridge brings to our community and anticipate a continually bright future under his leadership.
Photo from Utah Tech Police Department:
