Doug Bodrero has been described as a "cop's cop," but during his tenure as Utah's top law enforcement officer some of his best work was done as a "big gun" on Capitol Hill.
Bodrero, who has announced his resignation from the post of state public safety commissioner, has been praised by the top people in Utah law enforcement since telling Gov. Mike Leavitt of his plans to leave.Bodrero successfully championed such causes as tougher penalties for drunken-driving convictions and an instant background check for gun buyers.
He brought years of law enforcement experience to the job when he was appointed by Gov. Norm Bangerter in 1988 after serving as the department's deputy commissioner.
He began his career in 1969 as a dispatcher in the Cache County sheriff's office. After working his way through the ranks in that office, he became chief deputy before being elected sheriff in 1978.
During his second term as sheriff, he was chosen as deputy commissioner of public safety and from that position was promoted to the top spot.
Law enforcement officers work odd and long hours, and the same has been true of the state's top officer. Bodrero has done a fine job leading the department and his expertise will be missed, but the Utahns he served can't fault him for wanting a more "regular" job after nearly 28 years being "on call."
Bodrero has served Utah well enforcing the law in the streets, helping create law in the hallways of Capitol Hill and formulating law-enforcement policy in the offices of public safety. He deserves Utahns' respect and gratitude.