Deputy Sheriff Rodney Badger, Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, Utah

Deputy Sheriff Rodney Badger

Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, Utah

End of Watch Friday, April 29, 1853

Rodney Badger

Deputy Badger drowned while attempting to rescue a family who had fallen into the Weber River. He had been sent to the river to help pioneers cross the water during the winter. As one of the families crossed their wagon overturned and a mother and six children fell into the water. Deputy Badger immediately dove in and was able to rescue the mother and four children. As he swam back out to rescue the two remaining children he was overtaken with the cold and exhaustion and went under. His body wasn't recovered for almost one year.

Deputy Badger was survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

Age 30
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Drowned

Most Recent Reflection

View all 21 Reflections

My name is Gisela Mendoza and I am a student at Mission Hills High School in California. I am taking a criminal justice class and one of our assignments was do to a research paper on a fallen officer from various law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. This was in honor of Peace Officer Memorial Day. I chose to do my report on Deputy Badger because we should remember him just like every other fallen officer even if this incident happened long ago. I pay my respects to his relatives who continue to keep his legacy alive. I too, will remember Deputy Badger for his courage, bravery, and strength. It is not easy to do what he did. I just hope that one day I am able to serve my community with the same strength he served his own.

Student
Mission Hills High School

May 15, 2015