John R. Winn
"The Lifeline of the Patrol"
The Engineer Behind the Badge
John R. Winn represented a unique and vital era of the Utah Highway Patrol. Born on June 11, 1935, he joined the UHP on October 1, 1959, starting as a Radio Operator. He was a man of intellect and technical skill, earning a degree in Electronic Engineering from Utah Trade Tech in Provo.
On November 1, 1964, John was promoted to Radio Technician. In the 1960s and 70s, this was a sworn police position, meaning John carried both the badge and the toolbox. He was responsible for building and maintaining the radio network that served as the lifeline for every trooper on the road. His dedication to his community was recognized in 1970 when he received the "Outstanding Citizens Award".
End of Watch: September 22, 1971
On September 22, 1971, Trooper Winn was working to expand the patrol's communication capabilities atop Lake Mountain, west of Utah Lake. He was operating a heavy payloader construction vehicle on a steep switchback, preparing the site for a new radio tower.
While maneuvering on the rugged terrain, the loader slipped out of control on the steep grade and rolled backward. The vehicle struck a hillside and overturned, crushing Trooper Winn. He was killed instantly.
Though he was not patrolling the highway when he died, he lost his life building the safety net that would protect his fellow officers for decades to come.
A Father's Legacy
Trooper Winn was 36 years old. His death was a devastating blow to his large family; he was survived by his wife, Jo Anne, and their six children—three daughters and three sons.
He is buried in the Price City Cemetery. Today, whenever a trooper keys their radio to call for help in Utah County, the signal often travels through the infrastructure that John Winn helped build—a silent, enduring testament to his service.