The Utah Attorney General’s office was thrilled to join with family and friends at the Best of State Awards Gala where we were honored to accept multiple awards in the Community Development category.

Click here for a complete list of the AG’s Best of State 2018 awards.

Additionally, the AG’s office was accompanied by DEA District-in-Charge Brian Besser and his wife, Juli, where he received the Best of State Public Safety Officer award due to his relentless work in combatting the opioid epidemic that has hit Utah both in the metro and rural areas.

John DeGrey and Barry Rose of the SafeUT Commission accepted the Best of State award for Web-Based Community Resource. SafeUT is an incredible app that has saved the lives of teens in Utah by making suicide prevention more effective by offering more resources and mental health support. The app has also helped prevent numerous school threats.

Jennie Taylor, widow of Major Brent Taylor, joined with Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes and his wife, Saysha, during the Gala. Unbeknownst to Jennie, Major Taylor had won the Best of State award for Meritorious Service. In addition, he was posthumously awarded the Best of State Statue (or the BOSS), which is given to the most outstanding medal winner in their division.

Major Taylor, who served as the North Ogden mayor, made the ultimate sacrifice while serving overseas, living and dying for his love of God, country, and family. We are so grateful for his service.

We also give our sincerest thanks to all those who gave their time and energy to help make our office the Best of State.

The Best of State Awards recognize outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses in Utah. More than 100 judges review the nominations and determine the winners based on achievement in the field of endeavor, innovation or creativity in approaches, techniques, methods or processes, and contribution to the quality of life in Utah.