SALT LAKE CITY — A Salt Lake City police officer has officially resigned after allegations of refusing an assignment during the Pride parade this past weekend.
According to a statement from the police department Tuesday, officials received a written resignation from the officer who was under an internal investigation related to the officer’s parade assignment.
Police would not comment further on the issue due to pending litigation on the matter. The internal case is now closed.
The officer’s name has never been made public.
Rawson said the officer has “conservative, religious beliefs” and felt that riding with the motorycle squad would be seen as “advocating in favor of the LGBTQ community, a position which made him uncomfortable given his personal and religious beliefs.”
Rawson claims the officer had managed to trade roles with another officer, when department administration intervened and put him on suspension.
“He never flatly refused to do his job in that motorcade,” Rawson said in an interview with FOX 13. “Instead of being given that opportunity, he was ridiculed in the press by allegations of bigotry and more.”
On Friday, the officer was put on paid administrative leave.
