One year from SLC riot, Officers who responded honored

Salt Lake City, Utah —  One year ago, a protest quickly escalated to a riot in Salt Lake City after the death of George Floyd.

Salt Lake City Police Association honored the officers who stepped up to help during the downtown riot Wednesday.

“Despite the clear and present danger these officers faced, they still responded without thought for themselves or their own lives. They responded to protect the citizens caught in the middle and their fellow officers,” said Joe McBride, president of the Salt Lake City Police Association. 

Police issued a state-wide call for help on May 30, 2020, and more than 35 agencies statewide responded. Officers were attacked with rocks, street signs, pepper spray and other things.  A total of 24 officers were injured that day. 

“One of the true leaders of the department made a call for a statewide 10-33,” McBride said. “10-33 is the radio call we give when an officer’s life is in danger. That code is not used lightly.” 

While they recognize there are people in the field of law enforcement that shouldn’t be, they believe the vast majority of the men and women serving here in Utah are good, selfless people, Salt Lake Police Association said.