Rodney Badger

Rodney Badger (February 4, 1823 – April 29, 1853) was the first Utah law enforcement officer to lose his life during the performance of his sworn duties. He died on April 29, 1853 trying to rescue a family whose wagon had overturned in the Weber River. He successfully rescued four children and their mother and died while trying to rescue two other children.[1]

For Badger's son, who was a youth leader in the LDS Church, see Rodney C. Badger

Badger was born in Waterford, Vermont and was a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Badger was a Mormon pioneer and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley with the first company on 24 July 1847. Badger was a special agent for the Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company and was a deputy sheriff of Salt Lake County. He was survived by his wife and four children and he is buried in Salt Lake City Cemetery.[2]