Rodney Badger Police Memorial Statue. Bronze Monument

In 2007 Master Sculptor Lena Toritch won a national sculpture competition to create heroic size bronze monumental statues for the new Utah Law Enforcement Memorial. Each of her three bronze sculpture compositions captures the heart and inspires everyone who sees it. You can see the other two bronze statues on their individual pages: K9 Officer bronze monument and UHP Trooper bronze monument. This stunning bronze portrait monument immortalizes Rodney Badger who was the first Utah law enforcement officer to lose his life during the performance of his sworn duties. He died on April 29, 1853 trying to rescue a family whose wagon had overturned in Utah’s Weber River. He successfully rescued four children and their mother and died while trying to rescue two other children. Master Artist Lena Toritch sculpted Badger carrying an exhausted child who was just pulled out of the water. Rodney Badger is gasping for air. His wet shirt is clinging to his body. This bronze statue is a tribute to all law enforcement who save lives and help families through difficult times. This heroic size monument is one of three custom bronze statues that make up the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial Plaza on the grounds of the Utah State Capitol. Badger represents the county Sheriff. The other two bronze monuments represent city police and state police.