20 years ago the Uintah Basin lost a local hero in the line of duty. Roosevelt Police Chief Cecil F. Gurr was killed on July 6th, 2001. The Officer Down Memorial Page at odmp.org shares the tragic events from that day. “A convenience store clerk called police after witnessing a male subject forcing a woman into his car. When officers arrived on the scene, the suspect, who was armed with a rifle, held them at bay as he held his ex-girlfriend hostage. As Chief Gurr exited his patrol car the man opened fire on him, killing him instantly. The man forced the woman into the truck and fled the scene. They were stopped several blocks away and the subject was taken into custody. On September 20th, 2002, the man was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.” Chief Gurr was a Vietnam War Veteran and had served a long career with the Roosevelt Police Department, over 20 of those years as Chief. He is survived by his wife and three grown children. Chief Gurr is missed every day by his family and friends. He is buried in Roosevelt Memorial Park.
