A Salt Lake police lieutenant was recently honored as the area's "Top Cop" by the American Society for Industrial Security.
Lt. Marty Vuyk, commander of the department's Community Support Unit, was given the award for being an officer who met or exceeded his responsibilities in the community in the advancement of the law enforcement/security profession.Vuyk was chosen by the selection committee based on the nominations received for consideration.
The lieutenant was born in Salt Lake City to Dutch immigrants. He graduated from West High and attended the University of Utah. He joined the Salt Lake Police Department in 1965 and has since worked in most divisions.
While he was member of the Major Felony Unit, the first sting operation in Utah was developed. The unit also broke up a major theft ring, recovering more than $1 million.
Vuyk was promoted to a sergeant in 1976, and he investigated more than 40 homicides, including the successful arrest and conviction of Arthur Gary Bishop. He graduated from the FBI Academy in 1981 and was promoted to lieutenant in 1982.
"Throughout the years, Lieutenant Vuyk has shown outstanding commitment to his family, his men, his assignment and to himself," the presenter said. "He is dedicated to long hours and to the community's welfare. He has demonstrated professionalism in its truest definition."
He and his wife, Mary Jane Barton, are the parents of two daughters and three sons.