This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I found your article about Joseph Paul Franklin especially interesting because on Aug. 20, 1980, I was assigned as commander of the detective division in the Salt Lake Police Department ("Heartache lingers for serial killer's Utah victims and their families," Tribune, Nov. 19).
That was back when we could not take more than a year to complete an investigation. Your coverage was accurate and sequential as to the series of events. I remember that as the investigation led to identifying Franklin as the suspect, other agencies and other investigators all climbed aboard, claiming a part in breaking the case. None ever mentioned Detective Paul Lamont, who through an informant broke the case and brought it to a conclusion. In all the coverage and writings about the case, not once was he recognized for his part in the investigation.
So much for the grandstanders who sought recognition.
Harry W. Patrick
Salt Lake City