Erik Knutzen named chief deputy for Eagle Mountain Sheriff’s Office division
The Utah County Sheriff’s Office Eagle Mountain division is welcoming a new Chief Deputy this month.
Erik Knutzen, a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience, will officially assume his new role in February.
Knutzen steps into the position following the retirement of Chief Deputy Eric McDowell, whose nearly three-decade career was marked by a deep connection to Eagle Mountain and its residents.
“When Eric announced his retirement, I applied knowing that returning to Eagle Mountain would be a great opportunity to partner with, and serve, the citizens of Eagle Mountain,” Knutzen said.
Knutzen’s career began in 1993 with the Provo City Police Department. In 2006, he joined the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, where he has taken on numerous challenges and roles.
Most recently, Knutzen served as Lieutenant over the Emergency Services Bureau, overseeing the Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Teams, including Search & Rescue, the Mounted Posse, Tactical Emergency Response Team (TERT), and the Air Bureau. His career also includes leadership roles such as Investigations Bureau Lieutenant, director of the Utah Valley Special Victims Task Force and commander of the Utah County Officer Involved Critical Incident Team.
In addition, Knutzen has extensive SWAT experience, serving as both a Commander of the Utah County Metro SWAT team and as a Team Leader during the 2002 Winter Olympics for the Provo/Orem/BYU Metro SWAT team.
Knutzen’s service extends beyond law enforcement. Before entering the field, he served in the United States Marine Corps and is a Gulf War veteran.
Knutzen is no stranger to Eagle Mountain. In 2008, he served as a Patrol Sergeant under Chief Deputy McDowell. That experience gave him a firsthand view of the city’s growth and the strong relationship between the Sheriff’s Office, City officials and the community.
Knutzen emphasized his commitment to continuing the division’s legacy and dedication to public safety.
“Expect to see continued transparency, my deep commitment to public safety and justice, and know that the Sheriff’s Office will continue to serve with integrity, professionalism, and respect for all,” he said.
Knutzen succeeds Chief Deputy McDowell, whose retirement is effective Feb. 1. McDowell’s 28-year career with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office included nearly two decades of service in Eagle Mountain, where he earned a reputation for fostering trust and building relationships with residents and city leaders.
Reflecting on his time in Eagle Mountain, McDowell called it a “second hometown” and described the trust he cultivated within the community as one of his proudest accomplishments.
As he transitions into retirement, McDowell shared advised his successor.
“Observe and allow yourself to get acclimated to the environment,” McDowell said/ “We have good people assigned to the Eagle Mountain Division. Trust the supervisors and allow them to lead their patrol teams.”
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Knutzen is a devoted family man. Married with four children, two in-laws, and four grandchildren, he has spent decades supporting his family’s passions in wrestling, cheer, ballet and soccer. Now an empty nester, Knutzen enjoys family time, visiting Lake Powell and chasing his grandkids. He’s also an avid gardener who finds joy in yard work.
As he prepares to take on his new role, Knutzen shared a message for Eagle Mountain residents:
“The Sheriff’s Office – Eagle Mountain Division is your police department,” he said. “Being one of the fastest-growing cities in Utah, know that I’m committed to providing high-quality police services to help maintain or improve our quality of life as the population grows. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve.”