Throughout the holiday season, TVPD showcased a selection of 25 holiday drawings on our social media channels. These drawings were chosen from more than 150 entries submitted by fifth-grade students attending one of our eight elementary schools in Taylorsville. 

A big thank you to all the students who participated. As Mayor Kristie Overson said, selecting the drawings to feature as our official TVPD holiday card was “no easy task.” 

The winners — Jaide from Bennion Elementary, Mabel from Fox Hills Elementary and Kenya from Taylorsville Elementary — were celebrated with a special lunch outing at Café Rio in Taylorsville. Joining them were Mayor Overson, Deputy Chief Lloyd, Sgt. Palmer and Dets. Andrew and Christensen. 

During the lunch, we had the chance to learn more about these talented students: 

Jaide started drawing when she was just 6 and completed her drawing in one day. She has three older brothers. Her favorite food is sushi, and her favorite animals include turtles, cats and dogs. Jaide hopes to pursue a career as a veterinarian. 

Mabel discovered her love for drawing at age 8 and spent two days completing her holiday creation. She has one older sister and a younger brother. Her favorite food is chicken alfredo, and flamingos are her favorite animals. Mabel’s current dream is to become a wedding and party planner. 

Kenya began drawing at age 10 and dedicated half a week to creating her holiday drawing. She has an older brother and a younger sister. Her favorite foods are elotes and tacos, and her favorite animals are eagles and dogs. Kenya aspires to become a police officer. 

We asked the students what they would want all Taylorsville residents to know. Their collective message was: "Never give up and always keep trying."  

What an amazing generation we have coming up; these three remarkable kids are great examples. Thank you, Jaide, Kenya and Mabel, for your creativity, determination and inspiring message.

Employee of the Month 

Please join us in congratulating Records Manager Donny Gasu as our latest Employee of the Month. Donny is a highly valued member of our civilian staff and has more than 13 years of public safety experience. For the past 15 years, he has served with both the Unified and Taylorsville Police departments, as well as the City of Taylorsville, in various roles, including Evidence Technician, Emergency Planning Manager and Records Manager. 

Donny was previously selected as Employee of the Month in November 2021. Not much has changed since then when it comes to his unmatched work ethic. Chief Cottam said Donny “continues to maintain a positive attitude and successfully tackles any challenge or task assigned to him.” His positive attitude “remains contagious." 

Donny plays a pivotal role in transitioning TVPD to the newly contracted L3Harris Technologies advanced radio system, part of a broader initiative by the Utah Communication Authority (UCA) to enhance public safety communications statewide. The ongoing transition has been complex while requiring meticulous coordination, a responsibility that Donny is spearheading for TVPD. Donny continues to manage this significant undertaking while excelling in his regular assignments. 

Thank you, Donny, for your exceptional service!