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After abruptly firing the last police chief, Draper promotes from within

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune "Officers did everything they could in this situation," said Draper Deputy Police Chief John Eining (right) who gave a few details about events surrounding the officer-involved shooting in Draper, Wednesday January 14, 2015. Eining said the man believed to be in his thirties who is not from Draper was shot and killed during a struggle with a West Valley City police officer who was assisting two Draper officers in making a narcotics arrest Wednesday morning. During the arrest the man broke free and produced an 8" butcher knife while still inside in the SUV.

  | Dec. 6, 2017, 5:05 p.m.
| Updated: Dec. 7, 2017, 8:07 p.m.

Draper officials have announced their next pick for police chief: John Eining, who had previously served as deputy chief.

Eining has been the interim chief for the last two weeks, after city council members voted to abruptly fire previous chief Bryan Roberts.

City officials won’t say publicly what led to the chief’s dismissal, saying only that “it was time for a change.”

Eining has been with the department since February 2014, according to a Wednesday news release.

“John is an outstanding police officer,” Draper Mayor Troy Walker said in a statement. “He is skilled, well-trained and understands the unique role police officers play in our community.”

Before working in Draper, Eining worked with the Sandy Police Department for 22 years.

Draper Police Chief John Eining (Courtesy | Draper City)

Eining said in a statement that he is “excited” to lead the officers in Draper.

“Our goal will always be to enhance our relationships, provide security and improve the overall quality of life for Draper citizens,” Eining said.

The previous chief, Roberts, had led the department for five years before he was fired in late November without cause. City officials have stressed that there wasn’t a particular reason or event that led to the dismissal, and they have said Roberts was not accused of misconduct.