“My goal has always been to make a difference,” said Dennis Montgomery in an article written for the NIRA Alumni Board of Directors. And make a difference is exactly what he did.
Dennis graduated from Weber High School in 1971. He continued his education at Weber State College in the Paramedic Program, graduating in 1983. Dennis started his career in 1975 as a Police Chief of Huntsville, UT and continued in Public Safety for 40 years. He worked for Weber County Jail, Weber County and Ogden City fire districts, and Weber State University, with positions as a firefighter, EMT, SWAT member and Fire Marshall.
Dennis held many elected/appointed office positions. He served on the EMT State Board, Weber County Planning Commission, IAAI and Weber Fire District Board (20 Years). His memberships are countless, but included career based memberships on a state and national level for EMT, paramedic, fire prevention and countless rodeo associations.
He loved working with and mentoring the youth. For 10 years, he served as medical advisement and recruitment for Utah High School Rodeo, including local, state, and national levels. From 1996-2003 Dennis was the assistant Rodeo Coach for WSU women’s rodeo team and led them to a National Championship in 1997. As Head Rodeo Coach from 2003-2015 he again lead the Women’s Team to a National Championship in 2006. In 2008 Cody Wade competed at Nationals in Casper, WY winning the National Steer Wrestling Champion title under the guidance of the big guy, Dennis Montgomery.
Dennis was the President of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association 2008-2010, being the first to serve a 2-year term. He was named National Coach of the Year in 2008 and the Rocky Mountain Region Coach of the Year in 2011. As the Rocky Mountain Region College Rodeo Faculty Director he helped support 11 colleges. Following his retirement in 2015, he continued to travel to Casper, WY to support current athletes, coaches and staff at the College National Finals Rodeo.
Dennis served on the Ogden Pioneer Days Committee as the Event Parking Chairman beginning in 2014 until his passing in 2021. Pioneer Days spectators knew Dennis by name and enjoyed being greeted by him as they came through the west gate.
He made a difference in the lives of all who knew him.