01/13/2023
Today we remember Chief William “Bill” O’Neal
EOW 1/12/20.
Chief O’Neal honorably served the Sandy City Police Department and the Sandy City community from August 1996 until his death in January 2020. Chief O’Neal was sworn in as the Chief of Police in July 2018.
Chief O’Neal held positions in many units during his 25 years of service, but especially enjoyed working in the youth and motors divisions, as well as in the SWAT division, where he served as commander for six years.
Chief O’Neal was one of three SCPD officers credited with the rescue of then-14-year-old Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped from her family’s Salt Lake City home in the middle of the night.
“Being able to rescue her was a monumental thing in our careers,” Chief O’Neal told KSL in 2013. “When she was talking, I could see her teeth and from the fliers and the smile, I recognized her teeth. I know that sounds strange and that’s when it hit me. Wow, this is Elizabeth Smart.”
Chief O'Neal embodied what it means to protect and serve.
We miss you Chief! RIP
