End of Watch:
June 25, 2007
Age: 60
Department of Corrections
Homicide: Handgun
Officer Stephen R. Anderson was murdered by a Utah State Prison inmate he was escorting to the University Hospital’s orthopedic clinic in Salt Lake City.
While alone with the prisoner in a medical exam room, Officer Anderson’s handgun was taken from him, and he was shot in the head. The suspect then fled and stole a vehicle at gunpoint. He was located several hours later and recaptured following a high-speed chase to 1700 S. Redwood Road, where he attempted to take several hostages. Several years later, the suspect avoided the possibility of a death sentence by pleading guilty. He was sentenced to life without parole.
Officer Anderson was married, the father of five children, and grandfather of 16 grandchildren. His son Shawn serves as a corrections officer.
Officer Anderson is buried in Bluffdale City Cemetery.
Officer Stephen R. Anderson was posthumously promoted to Sergeant by the Executive Director of the Department of Corrections.
The bronze memorial name plaque of Officer Stephen R. Anderson is sponsored by the Utah Department of Corrections.