Few individuals have left a greater mark on this community — or on me personally — than Summit County Sheriff Frank Smith. Like so many of our dedicated public officials and civil servants, his career was defined by extraordinary service and accomplishment.
Sheriff Smith joined the Summit County Sheriff’s Office as chief deputy in 2015, following a distinguished 30-year career with the DEA. There, he held leadership roles including assistant special agent in charge in Salt Lake City and team leader of the Foreign Advisory Support Team, with assignments that took him to Afghanistan, Tajikistan, the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
In 2023, he assumed the role of sheriff and was elected to continue in that role in 2024. During his tenure, he built strong partnerships among the Sheriff’s Office, Park City Fire Department, Park City Police Department and Park City Hospital, strengthening the fabric of public safety in Summit County.
He loves this community deeply and brought that dedication into every decision, every relationship, and every day of service. Within his own department, he was equally committed to excellence, mentoring and preparing the next generation of leaders, including Chief Deputy Kacey Bates, who will step into his role upon his retirement on Sept. 5.
Those who had the privilege of working alongside Sheriff Smith will miss his leadership and friendship. Those who never met him may never know how often he was thinking of them — working tirelessly to keep them safe. His legacy of integrity, mentorship, and teamwork will endure, and our community is stronger and safer because of it.
Austin T. Smith
Park City