On Friday, sheriff's spokesman Lt. Paul Jaroscak said Capt. Steve DeBry, chief of Holladay's police services, is being transferred but emphasized the move is "not punitive."

Holladay's city manager requested the switch "to move in another direction," according to a statement.

DeBry said Friday he was "very surprised" to learn of the change Thursday from his supervisor.

"I don't know what was behind the move," he said. "I love everybody up there. I truly do. I've had great working relationships with three different mayors and different city councils."

DeBry has directed Holladay's police services for more than four years. A Republican, he is challenging Democratic incumbent Randy Horiuchi this year for a countywide County Council seat.

Holladay City Manager Randy Fitts said "there was no inkling" of political reasons for requesting De-Bry's transfer. The City Council plans to recognize the captain's service at its May 15 meeting.

"He's done a fantastic job here," Fitts said.

Holladay recently suspended a study that was to examine whether the city should split with the sheriff and form its own police department - as neighboring Cottonwood Heights is doing this year.

"We're quite satisfied with the service the Sheriff's Department is providing for us right now," Fitts said. "Our relationship is very good."

Holladay wants to emphasize community-oriented policing and put more officers on neighborhood streets, Fitts said.

"It's not that Steve didn't do that. Sometimes you get to a level, a plateau, and you have to move on."

Holladay Councilman Lynn Pace said he could not comment. Mayor Dennis Webb and the remaining council members did not return phone calls.

Jaroscak said the Sheriff's Office decided to shift DeBry now because another captain has retired and officers are being shuffled around to fill the vacancy. DeBry will continue to serve in Holladay until his replacement is found.

The Sheriff's Office is responsible for hiring the next chief, but Holladay will be involved in the selection process, which could include interviews with the City Council.

rwinters@sltrib.com