Ray Lynn Pierson
"Service in the Bloodline"
A Legacy of Service
Ray Lynn Pierson, known to his friends simply as "Lynn," was born into the culture of the Utah Highway Patrol. His father, Sergeant Dean Pierson, was a respected member of the force, and Lynn followed proudly in his footsteps, joining the Patrol in January 1974.
Lynn was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War and had previously served with the Parowan Police Department. He was 29 years old and had recently transferred back to his hometown of Panguitch to raise his young family. He was known as a dedicated officer who loved his community and the badge he wore.
End of Watch: November 7, 1978
On the morning of November 7, 1978, Trooper Pierson was patrolling State Road 20. Unknown to him, a "gas skip" (theft of fuel) had just been reported at a station in Cove Fort involving a blue pickup truck. Tragically, because Lynn had just transferred to the area, his patrol car radio had not yet been fitted with the correct "crystals" to receive the local frequency. He never heard the broadcast.
At approximately 10:00 a.m., Trooper Pierson stopped the blue pickup for a minor traffic violation, unaware that the driver was a fugitive and the vehicle was stolen. As Lynn approached the window, the driver suddenly produced a .357 magnum and fired, striking Trooper Pierson in the chest.
Despite a fatal wound to the heart, Trooper Pierson's training and courage took over. He drew his service weapon and fired five rounds at the fleeing vehicle, shattering the back window and marking the truck for other officers. He passed away at the scene moments later.
The Pursuit of Justice
Trooper Pierson’s body was discovered by a passing motorist who used the patrol radio to call for help. A massive manhunt ensued. The suspect, Brian Keith Stack, attempted to run a roadblock near Beaver but was forced off the road and captured after his vehicle was riddled with bullets from pursuing officers.
Stack pled guilty to first-degree murder to avoid the death penalty and was sentenced to life in prison. In 2019, after serving over 40 years, he was granted parole despite strong opposition from the UHP community.
The Ray Lynn Pierson Award
Lynn’s legacy lives on not just in history books, but in the highest honors of the agency. The Ray Lynn Pierson Award is presented annually by the Utah Highway Patrol Association. It is reserved for a Trooper, Corporal, or Sergeant with at least 10 years of service who exemplifies outstanding character and community involvement.
In a touching tradition, members of the Pierson family—often his sons—attend the annual DPS awards banquet to personally present the award, bridging the gap between the past and the present generation of troopers.
Never Forgotten
Trooper Pierson left behind his pregnant wife, Darlene, and their children: Clint, Brett, and Jenny. His fourth child, a daughter named Laura Lynn, was born three months after his death.
He is buried in the Antimony City Cemetery, forever resting in the county he died protecting.