Draper’s Chief Connole announces retirement

Chief Arthur “Mac” Connole announced that he would be retiring from his 44 year career as a Utah Police officer and chief on March 2.

Connole said that he has had a long and productive career and it is time to hang up his badge to spend more time with his family.

“I have stayed too long.” he said. “I’ve been in law enforcement for over 40 years. My grandson is grown and I have a bucket list to take care of.”

Connole was hired by the Salt Lake City Police Department in 1968 where he began work as a policeman and as a Detective in the Special Investigations Division. He was also Sergeant in the Crime Prevention Unit and Metro Narcotics Unit.

As a Lieutenant, he was assigned to Police Administration and worked as the Police Ombudsman, coordinating work between the community and the police, mayor and city council. He was highly involved in the coordination of security and law enforcement coverage during the 2002 Winter Games.

In April of 2003, Connole was hired as Chief of Police for the Draper City Police Department, with the specific assignment to develop the department from the ground up. Under his direction, the department grew by 62 percent in the first four years, according to his official bio.

“We have some wonderful people working for the police department,” Connole said. “The police department can function very well without me now. We have received $1.5 million in grants since we started up. It has been good for the city and we have been accountable to the citizens.”

In 2001, Connole was elected as the Executive Director of the FBI National Executive Institute Associates. He served as the Treasurer for the Major Cities Chiefs Association for 23 years. In addition, Connole has received many commendations through his career.

“His memorandum to the employees is really heart felt,” said Connole’s secretary, Marge Cook. “He has a lot of respect for his fellow employees; our ‘PD family’ we call it. He is very passionate about his work. He has been a great chief. He is leaving a legacy.”

Cook was the second employee Connole hired when he first became the Draper Chief of Police in 2003.

“When I began this journey back in 2003, I never imagined it would take me here,” Connole said in his letter to the employees of the Draper City Police Department. “I am humbled that I was given the chance to lead the department during these past eight plus years. I have been supported by countless people and will always remember the dedication of the men and women who have answered the call to serve and protect the citizens of this city. What we have accomplished in these past few years is nothing short of remarkable.”