EPHRAIM—Three police officers received high honors last week for their service in recovering a kidnapped college student last year.
Officers Dillon Rasmussen and Jordan Garff received Meritorious Service medals, and Sgt. Devon Krebs received the highest police medal, the Distinguished Service Medal in the category of service, at an Ephraim City Council meeting last Wednesday, July 20.
The officers received the medals for their roles in finding and rescuing 19-year-old Madelyn Allen, a Snow College student who went missing from Ephraim on Dec. 13, 2021. The officers helped locate Allen on Dec 19, 2021, who turned up nearly 90 miles away in Loa, Utah.
Ephraim City Police Chief Aaron Broomhead personally presented to awards to the officers. “A young lady is alive right now because of the actions of these fine officers and other law enforcement agencies,” Broomhead said.
Beginning Dec. 13, a massive search began for Allen, and Broomhead assigned Krebs as the lead investigator. “Of course, there were many agencies involved,” Broomhead said, “the FBI, Sanpete County Sheriff ’s Office, Snow College Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue and more, who contributed to the rescue effort, but we are especially proud of our own officers who played significant roles in the rescue.”
The five-day search ended on Dec 18 when the family announced via social media, “Madelyn Allen has been found. She is safe and in the care of the authorities. We cannot express enough gratitude to the incredible law enforcement effort. And we are eternally grateful for each of you, your prayers, your love and your support. Thank you!”
Brent Brown of Loa, a suspect in the case, was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice, aggravated kidnapping, rape and object rape, an affidavit stated. Broomhead said the case is not closed, so he could reveal no further details at present.
