This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Rev. Steven W. Kirts was honored during a Friday funeral service for devoting 30 years to the community as a police and fire chaplain.
Kirts, 65, died of cancer Oct. 27, surrounded by his family and friends.
West Valley City Police Sgt. Mike Powell, along with many others, attended a funeral Mass that was "a service of happiness and understanding" in remembrance of Kirts' life.
Powell said Kirts always presented himself with an honest heart in a "joyful" way and "he could always be counted on."
Powell added that Kirts' focus was always on his work as a chaplain for West Valley City police and fire departments.
"It is always tough when we lose someone that has been part of a family for some time," Powell said, adding that Kirts was one of three chaplains who served the city. "He was a great individual, and he will be deeply missed."
Kirts also was a volunteer police chaplain for Salt Lake County and the Unified Police Department for 23 years, and was responsible for assisting officers in death notifications and providing nondenominational religious support to crime victims.
Unified Police Department Capt. Don Hutson — who often worked alongside Kirts — said he will remember Kirts mostly for his dedication.
"Through all his health struggles, he always remained dedicated," Hutson said, adding that Kirts was actively working for police only a month ago.
Hutson said Kirts was always willing to work with other chaplains regardless of their religion.
Despite dealing with many medical problems throughout his life, Kirts accomplished a lot with his "feisty attitude and determination," according to his obituary.
He was ordained a permanent deacon in the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City in 1981 and served at various parishes in the area. At the same time, he served as a police chaplain for West Valley City and then later for the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office.
He leaves behind a wife, six children and 11 grandchildren.
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