Daniel W. Harris
"The Guardian on the Golden Motor"
A Lifetime of Law Enforcement
Daniel W. Harris was a lawman through and through. Born in Cedar City, his career in service began long before he donned the UHP beehive. He started as a police officer in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1972. His leadership skills were recognized early, and by 1975, he had returned to Utah to serve as the Chief of Police for Parowan City.
After serving as a deputy in Iron County, Daniel joined the Utah Highway Patrol in 1979. He was a natural fit for the Patrol, serving in Field Operations, Internal Affairs, and Executive Protection. However, his true passion was the Motorcycle Squad. His family fondly recalled that he was the "happy motor officer with bugs on his teeth"—a man who loved the freedom of the ride almost as much as he loved the community he served.
End of Watch: August 25, 1982
On August 25, 1982, Trooper Harris was conducting speed enforcement operations on Interstate 80 in Parley's Canyon, a winding and dangerous stretch of highway east of Salt Lake City. At approximately 6:30 p.m., he observed a Corvette speeding westbound and initiated a pursuit.
Trooper Harris accelerated his Kawasaki motorcycle to catch the violator. While navigating the curves of the canyon at high speed, he failed to negotiate a turn. His motorcycle left the roadway and struck an embankment. Trooper Harris sustained massive injuries and died instantly at the scene.
The vehicle he was pursuing was never located, but Trooper Harris died doing exactly what he loved: protecting the public on the open road.
A Father's Legacy
Trooper Harris was just 33 years old. He left behind his wife, Andrea, and their four young children.
His loss was felt deeply by the "Golden Motors" of the Highway Patrol. A poem written in his honor reads: "The golden motor stands idle, the rider gone away... But the eagle just began to soar, and now we've lost a trooper, and a friend we'll see no more". He is buried in the Parowan City Cemetery, returning to the town he once served as Chief.