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SPANISH FORK — After 34 years in law enforcement and more than two decades as the public face of the Utah County Sheriff's Office, Sgt. Spencer Cannon retired on Wednesday.
The longtime public information officer at the sheriff's office, Cannon has been there answering questions from reporters and others at countless crime scenes, accidents and rescue operations.
"Whether somebody's lost a loved one, or someone is going to jail, or whatever it might be, I have thoroughly enjoyed every day that I've had the opportunity to work," Cannon said during an interview with KSL-TV Wednesday morning. "It's just time for me to move on to another phase of life."
Cannon has seen numerous changes over his time as a deputy, with significant developments in how DNA evidence is collected and processed, in how cellphones have gone from "brick" phones to smartphones, and in how body cameras and drones have become parts of everyday police work.
He said today the public will frequently record police during their interactions, something that almost never used to happen, which Cannon views as healthy.
He's also observed changes in society, adding one of the biggest challenges in law enforcement going forward will be overcoming an "us versus them" mindset.
What Cannon will ultimately miss most are the people he's worked with over the years, both those in the department — as well as those he has taken to jail.
While he's still making plans in retirement that include plenty of family time, vacations and possibly a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cannon wouldn't rule out working again if it were the right situation.
"I'm not looking for that, but if it drops in my lap, I'm not going to ignore it," he said.
