ST. GEORGE — In a continuing effort to connect their members to the community, the St. George Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a luncheon on Wednesday at noon at the Best Western Abbey Inn with St. George Police Chief Marlon Stratton as the featured “Chamber Connect” speaker.

National statistics indicate that when compared to other communities of similar population size, St. George has a crime rate that is noticeably lower than the average.  The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in St. George is 1 in 489, according to the chamber’s release. Although larger, more violent crimes (homicide, vehicle thefts, et cetera) are rare in the area, St. George Police is well-equipped to handle any situation.

Stratton will address how citizens can be part of the solution, become more involved in the neighborhoods they live in, and how to not become a victim of opportunity.  Besides a year in review, his presentation will include information about identity theft and fraud in the area and how to protect your business during the holidays.

Stratton has served as a police officer for the City of St. George for over 29 years. He started out as a patrol officer and also served on a special response team as the Department’s first hostage negotiator. He served as a department field training officer, and an instructor in officer safety, high risk stops, and suicide intervention. He was promoted to patrol sergeant in 1992 and then lieutenant in 1997, where he served as the patrol division commander. In his position as lieutenant, he supervised the department’s patrol officers, the hostage negotiations team, the bicycle squad, the accident investigation team, and the traffic division which includes the motor squad. Stratton was appointed Chief of Police for the City of St. George in December 2000 and leads a department of 105 police officers, 45 civilian police employees and 35 volunteers.

Stratton also sits on several boards and councils including: Utah Peace Officers Standards and Training Council, the Washington County Children’s Justice Center Advisory Board, the Southern Utah Victims Rights Committee, the Dixie State University Satellite Police Academy Board, the executive board of the St. George area Fraudulent Identification Security Threats unit, and the executive board of Washington County Area Drug Task Force.

Event details and resources

• What: St. George Police Chief to give luncheon ‘Year in Review’
• When: Wednesday, Dec. 17, at noon
• Where: Best Western Abbey Inn, 1129 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah
• The public is invited to attend and reservations can be made through the Chamber’s website or by calling 435-628-1650.

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