Idaho Falls police chief honored with law enforcement leadership award
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IDAHO FALLS — Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson was honored with the Leadership in Law Enforcement Award from the Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation at a luncheon last week.
The award was presented during a luncheon that honored other law enforcement officers in the Idaho Falls area.
Johnson was praised for his “exceptional leadership, tenacity and dedication to public service” since being appointed chief by Mayor Rebecca Casper in 2017.
One of Johnson’s most significant achievements, the foundation noted, was his years-long effort to secure a new police station for Idaho Falls. Working alongside a citizens committee and the Idaho Falls City Council, Johnson helped shape the vision for the new facility and oversaw its completion. The project didn’t just modernize police operations—it also freed up space in the courthouse for an additional, much-needed courtroom, benefiting the entire county.
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Johnson previously served in Juneau and Salt Lake City before coming to Idaho Falls, experience that the foundation says helped shape him into a “well-rounded and highly effective leader.”
Under his leadership, morale within the department improved through efforts to build unity and pride. That included introducing challenge coins as a way to recognize service and reinforce departmental values.
The foundation highlighted Johnson’s strong partnerships with longtime Bonneville County Sheriffs Paul Wilde and Samuel Hulse, calling their collaboration a model of regional communication and coordinated public safety. Johnson also played a key role in securing a long-term contract with Bonneville County for dispatch services, strengthening cooperation between agencies.
Johnson was among five officers recognized for their contributions to law enforcement and public safety. You can watch more about them in the video links below.
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