USU Police Chief Blair Barfuss resigns
Current Utah State University Police Chief Blair Barfuss resigned yesterday, and announced today that his last day will be Feb. 17.
In an email to the Statesman, Barfuss said he made the decision due to medical issues in his family which require living closer to specialized health teams.
“I have some potential job opportunities in the Salt Lake valley, where my wife’s medical teams are located,” Barfuss wrote. “I will miss the Aggie spirit of unity, progress, and community. I have loved attending events on campus with students, staff, faculty, and friends.”
Michael Kuehn, the USU director of public safety, said Barfuss will be sorely missed.
“We all wish him the very best because he’s done such a great job,” Kuehn said. “He’s really only been here a short time and he’s made such an impact on the Aggie family, and we’re grateful to have had him for any length of time.”
However, Barfuss is leaving on a high note.
“I am sad to leave just as I began seeing significant positive changes to the professionalism, service, and functionality of our police department,” Barfuss wrote in his resignation letter. “I cannot speak more highly of the university administration, staff, faculty, and our Aggie community. I love Utah State University, and will greatly miss being here.”
Barfuss joined the USU Department of Public Safety in July 2022 after serving as chief of police and director of public safety at Utah Tech University for four years. He graduated from the FBI National Academy and holds a master’s degree in human resources from USU.
Kuehn said the public safety department will start searching for a new chief of police immediately and will form a committee for a national search.
“We want to take the time that we need to really find the best fit for Utah State University,” Kuehn said. “One thing that’s very important for a chief, and Blair had this too, is to have the highest integrity — be sensitive to DEI concerns. All of those things are critically important for any police chief.”
In the meantime, Capt. Kent Harris will act as interim chief. He has been with USU Police for the past 13 years.
In his resignation letter, Barfuss wrote, “With sadness in my heart all I can say is thank you for this opportunity and go Aggies.”
-Jacee.Caldwell@usu.edu
Featured photo from Utah State Today