PARK CITY — History was made in Summit County this month as Kacey Bates was officially sworn in as the county’s first-ever female sheriff. The ceremony, held on Oct. 8, marked a groundbreaking moment not only for Summit County but for the state of Utah.

Bates now serves as the county’s top law enforcement officer. She is only the second woman in Utah’s nearly 130-year history to hold the title of sheriff, following Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera, who was the first.

“It’s surreal,” Bates said. “I’m feeling very excited.”

With a 28-year career in law enforcement, Bates said the moment is still sinking in.

She began her journey in 1997 in the Corrections Division and has since worked in nearly every department within the Summit County Sheriff’s Office — from Patrol and Investigat

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