Samuel Parkinson Cowley

from findagrave:
Law Enforcement Figure. He is recognized for his participation in capturing organized crime figures during the Great Depression era. Born into a family belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was educated at the Utah State Agricultural College and George Washington University Law School. After graduation in 1929, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Following being promoted to Inspector in July of 1934, he directed the successful operation to apprehend organized crime figure John Dillinger. In an attempt to capture George “Baby Face” Nelson, who was A.K.A Lester Gillis, Cowley was killed in the line of duty yet survived long enough to identify Nelson. A second FBI agent, Herman Hollis, was killed instantly. Nelson killed more FBI agents than any other criminal. Although Nelson escaped the scene, he died of a gunshot wound from Cowley’s gun later that day. Cowley’s body lay in state in the rotunda of the Utah State Capitol prior to his funeral.

Located at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park at 3401 South Highland Drive in Millcreek, Utah

Rodney Badger

The first known Utah law enforcement officer to give his life in the line of duty was Great Salt Lake County Deputy Sheriff Rodney Badger, one of the original 1847 pioneers. He drowned in 1853 in the Weber River while on assignment from Brigham Young to assist pioneers who were fording the river.

On April 29, 1853, several wagons were lined up along the river, waiting to make the treacherous crossing. The Water was ice cold and running fast and deep. The first wagon made it safely across. The second wagon, carrying an immigrant family with six children, was too light to make the crossing. The father was given stern warnings by the wagon master and Deputy Badger to ford the river without his family. These warnings were ignored. As the wagon entered the river, the strong current began to drag it uncontrollably downstream into deeper water. The wagon overturned, spilling the mother and children into the frigid waters. The father remained with the team. Without hesitation, Deputy Badger dove into the river and rescued the mother and four of the children. Continuing to ignore his own safety, Deputy Badger swam back out to retrieve the remaining two children. The elements finally overcame him, and he disappeared from sight, giving his life to save others. The river also claimed the lives of the two children which 30-year-old Deputy Badger attempted to save. An immediate search located the body of one child the next day. The body of the second child was not located until three months later. History does not record what happened to the surviving family members. They may have gone on to California which was the family’s destination when they joined the wagon train.

More at: Deputy Sheriff Rodney Badger Gave His Life

• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23941584/rodney-badger

Located in the Salt Lake Cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah.