The Grand County Sheriff’s Office serves as a primary agency for law enforcement and emergency response within the county that encompasses Moab. As a multifaceted civic institution, the office provides critical support during medical emergencies, search and rescue operations, and criminal investigations, often working in tandem with other local agencies to ensure public safety.
In the realm of emergency response, the Sheriff’s Office plays a vital role in technical operations and rescue efforts. For example, during a rescue operation on the Golden Spike Trail on May 4, 2025, the Grand County Sheriff’s Office provided critical assistance to the Moab Valley Fire Department during a complex technical extrication. This operation, which involved using airbags and cribbing to assist a driver pinned under a vehicle, required seamless coordination between multiple agencies, including Grand County EMS and the Moab Valley Fire Department. The Sheriff's Office is also a key participant in large-scale preparedness drills. On January 7, 2026, the agency joined forces with the Moab UMTRA Project, the Moab Police Department, and Grand County Emergency Medical Services for an annual multi-agency emergency response exercise. This drill, held at the Lions Park parking lot, simulated a gas leak to evaluate coordination and communication protocols across different jurisdictions.
Beyond disaster response, the Sheriff's Office holds significant responsibility for criminal investigations. While the Moab Police Department manages municipal law enforcement, the Grand County Sheriff's Office leads investigations into specific cases. Following a tragic incident on August 18, 2021, involving the deaths of two women at a campsite south of Moab, the Moab Police Department noted that the active investigation was being led by detectives with the Grand County Sheriff’s Office. Because active investigations are sensitive, the agency often works to manage the flow of information to ensure that the ability to prosecute cases remains intact.
The Sheriff's Office also provides essential support for search and rescue missions, particularly in the rugged terrain surrounding the area. During an incident on July 26, 2020, at Dead Horse Point State Park, the Grand County Search and Rescue team responded to a fatal fall involving a visitor. During such operations, the Sheriff's Office works alongside other entities, such as the Utah State Parks and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, to manage recovery and safety efforts.
For residents and visitors who have questions or need to provide information to investigators, the Grand County Sheriff's Office provides a direct line of communication. According to a statement from the Moab Police Department regarding an active investigation, individuals with questions or tips for investigators can contact the Grand County Sheriff’s Office at 435-259-8115.
What this means for Moab
As a resident of Moab, you can rely on the Grand County Sheriff's Office for critical support during complex emergencies and criminal investigations. Whether they are assisting in technical rescues or leading specialized detective work, the office works alongside various municipal and state agencies to maintain safety and coordinate responses throughout the county.
