Courtesy Provo City

On Saturday, in a one paragraph statement, Provo Police Chief Fred Ross submitted his resignation to Mayor Michelle Kaufusi.

“It has become evident that my fit within the Provo Police Department as the Chief has been determined to not be sustainable,” Ross said. “After discussing this with my family, I’ve determined it is in my best interest personally and professionally to resign my position as Chief of Police, effective immediately. I thank you sincerely for the honor of serving you, the department, and the people of Provo.”

And with that statement, Ross’ tenure with the department, which lasted less than one year, is now completed.

Nicole Martin, Provo’s director of communications, said the city was not given any further information from Ross regarding his decision.

Ross was announced as the new chief in November last year, replacing Chief Rich Ferguson who was retiring. At that time, Kaufusi took officers to the soon-to-be-completed City Hall and Department of Public Safety building, where Ross was announced.

Courtesy Provo City

“Provo’s public safety, and the future of its police department, would be well served in the experienced hands of Chief Fred Ross, who is uniquely qualified to lead the department during this time of growth,” Kaufusi said when introducing him.

Ross started with the Salt Lake Police Department in 1995, ultimately serving as deputy chief until his retirement in 2015. He then left his position as chief of the Utah Transit Authority Police Department to accept the role of Provo City’s chief of police with the advice and consent of the Provo City Council.

Monday at 9 a.m., Kaufusi appointed Capt. Troy Beebe as the acting police chief in an announcement made to the Provo Police Department staff.

Beebe is not a stranger to the city. During his 29-year professional law enforcement career, Beebe served five years with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office and 24 years at the Provo Police Department.

“Provo is the community I grew up in and where I’ve chosen to serve professionally,” Beebe said. “We will move forward doing what we do best: community policing and crime prevention.”

Courtesy Provo City

“Provo City attracts officers of the highest caliber — all invested in the ‘Provo Way,’ which is professional policing with compassion,” Beebe added. “This high standard of policing service remains unchanged as we move forward.”

“In accepting Chief Ross’ resignation, it became important to unify the department quickly,” Kaufusi said. “Capt. Beebe has deep roots to our community, as well as invested time within this department. We appreciate his willingness to bring his skills and knowledge as we seek a smooth transition.”

A search will begin to replace Ross in the coming days.

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