Roll of Honor
Incident
Trooper Ray Pierson was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on Highway 20, approximately 1-1/2 miles west of Route 89, north of Panguitch. Unbeknownst to Trooper Pierson, the vehicle had been stolen and the driver, a fugitive from Illinois, had just stolen gas from a service station. While talking to the driver, the man suddenly produced a .357 caliber handgun and shot Trooper Pierson in the chest. Trooper Pierson was able to return fire as the suspect fled but did not strike him. The man was apprehended following a high-speed pursuit and his attempt to crash through a police roadblock near Beaver. The 18-year-old man was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on July 19th, 1979. He was granted parole in September 2019. Trooper Pierson was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He had served with the Utah Highway Patrol for four years and had previously served with the Parowan Police Department. He was survived by his expectant wife, daughter, and two sons. His father also served with the agency.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife, daughter, and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-UT-6F4A7086- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Trooper Pierson gave the Utah Highway Patrol 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Utah, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Ray Lynn Pierson served in the Navy (1967â1971) before joining law enforcement.
Trooper Ray Lynn Pierson is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In UT, 84 of 138 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.9% of this state's fallen. That is 6.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Utah Highway Patrol, 7 of 16 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 43.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ray Lynn Pierson's cause is highlighted.
How Ray Lynn Pierson Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ray Lynn Pierson is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ray Lynn Pierson was killed by handgun; .357 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
15 officers from Utah Highway Patrol are honored on badge.nw.
