George "Dee" Rees
"The Guardian at the Junction"
A Legacy of Duty
George Dee Rees, known to friends and colleagues as "Dee," was a dedicated public servant. A veteran of the United States Army, he served his country in World War II. Following his military service, he joined the Utah Highway Patrol, serving for 12 years.
At 41 years old, Trooper Rees was a respected figure in his community. Reflections from friends describe him as a man who made time for others, including helping a local scout with a birdhouse project and spending time with friends at a local cafe.
End of Watch: July 2, 1960
The tragic events of July 2, 1960, began with a crime spree involving two young men, Edwin Merkel (19) and Jimmy Babb (20). The pair had stolen a vehicle from a used car lot in Riverdale and were fleeing at high speeds.
Trooper Rees responded quickly, joining Trooper Roger Gilmore to establish a roadblock at the junction of State Street and Highway 91 in Farmington. In his haste to position his 1959 Ford sedan to intercept the suspects, Trooper Rees did not have time to fasten his seatbelt—a safety feature that had only recently been installed in Patrol vehicles.
The suspect vehicle skidded through the intersection and collided head-on with Trooper Rees' patrol car. The impact was devastating. While the suspects were killed in the crash, Trooper Rees survived the initial collision but succumbed to his injuries at the scene while fellow officers attempted to render aid.
A Community in Mourning
Trooper Rees' death was a heavy blow to the Utah Highway Patrol and the state. He was survived by his wife, Maree, and their son, Michael.
Trooper Rees was laid to rest with full military honors at the Bountiful Memorial Cemetery. His sacrifice is permanently honored on the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial.