Memorial – Trooper Lynn Pierson
Trooper Ray Lynn Pierson
August 6, 1949 – November 7, 1978
Joining the Utah Highway Patrol on January 7, 1974, Ray Lynn Pierson followed in his father’s footsteps. Sergeant Dean Pierson had been a member of the UHP since August 1959. Two days after transferring to his hometown of Panguitch, Trooper Pierson stopped a pickup truck on highway 20. Trooper Pierson did not know that the vehicle was stolen and had just been involved in a gas skip. The driver produced a stolen .357 revolver and shot Trooper Pierson, striking him in the heart. Trooper Pierson managed to fire 6 rounds from his .357 service revolver as the felon sped away. The suspect was later apprehended by other officers. The suspect pled guilty to first-degree murder on July 19, 1978. Trooper Pierson was 29 years old at the time of his death. He was survived by his pregnant wife, Darlene, two sons and a daughter.
