February 12 marked the retirement of Sgt. Phil Neilsen of the Spanish Fork Police Department, and many in the community gathered to thank him for his 25 years of service.
Administrative Lt. Cory Slaymaker has been at the department with Sgt. Nielsen for the past 25 years, and he said that he will be “difficult to replace.”
“I’ve worked with him the entire time he’s been here at the Spanish Fort Police Department,” Lt. Slaymaker said. “He’s been a great asset and it’s going to be tough to replace someone with his knowledge.”
Sgt. Nielsen began his career at Heber City Police Department, and worked up there for a couple years before joining the SFPD. He started as a patrolman, worked through the ranks, and ended his career as a sergeant. He was recently assigned as the administrative sergeant.
“He worked patrol investigations, and in various roles throughout the police department,” Lt. Slaymaker added. “He’s very knowledgeable and not only with criminal investigations, but also very tech savvy. He helped us a lot with our technology, body and car cameras.
“I knew him and worked with him closely on a lot of different things and he’s been a great asset. We wish him well in his retirement. He will be missed, but it is very well deserved.”
