Utah Valley University hires its first chief safety officer in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk murder
Michael Rapich — a retired Utah Highway Patrol colonel with a decades-long law enforcement career — has been appointed as Utah Valley University's first-ever chief safety officer. Rapich's hiring comes a little over a year after the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk during an outdoor UVU gathering. The slaying remains the subject of pervasive news coverage and national attention regarding campus security. "Col. Rapich brings decades of public safety leadership, sound judgment, and trusted relationships across Utah," said UVU President Jon Anderson in a UVU release. "His experience and collaborative approach will strengthen how UVU prepares, responds, and works together to serve our campus community." Rapich will be tasked with overseeing campus safety operations and preparedness while also fostering a culture of safety on campus, according to UVU. The former UHP commander…
