The Davis County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement and correctional services for the residents of South Weber. While many local government functions are handled by the city, the Sheriff's Office operates as the county-level body responsible for various public safety and correctional duties within the region.
One of the primary branches of the agency is the Corrections division. According to a statement from the Sheriff's Office, personnel within this division handle tasks such as housing and intake. The agency also manages specialized programs, such as the Ankle Monitor Program. This specific program serves as an alternative to incarceration for non-violent offenders, designed to hold individuals accountable while allowing them to remain in the community, maintain employment, participate in necessary treatment, and be with their loved ones.
The agency's leadership includes Sheriff Kelly V. Sparks, who oversees the department and its various specialized teams. The office employs a range of staff members with diverse backgrounds and specialties. For example, the agency includes a firearms team and an Honor Guard. The agency also utilizes a Recruitment/Mentor Program to help train new deputies.
A recent tragedy on South Weber Road highlighted the personal impact of the agency's work. On July 4, 2023, the Davis County Sheriff's Office confirmed that two of its own officers were killed in a motorcycle accident on South Weber Road. According to a statement from the Utah Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at about 3:20 p.m. on South Weber Drive near Cooks Cove. The collision involved a black Yamaha motorcycle and a westbound Dodge Ram pickup that was pulling a utility trailer.
The two victims were identified as Corporal Steven Lewis and Deputy Jennifer Turner. The motorcycle was traveling eastbound on South Weber Drive when it navigated a curve and drifted out of its lane into the path of the pickup. The collision took place in the westbound lanes. The Utah Highway Patrol stated that both occupants of the motorcycle, a 54-year-old male driver and a 39-year-old female passenger, sustained critical injuries and passed away at the scene.
Both officers were active members of the agency. Corporal Steven Lewis joined the Davis County Sheriff's Office in 2018 as a Corrections deputy. His service included working in housing and later serving on the firearms team. In 2021, he was promoted to the rank of corporal. Deputy Jennifer Turner joined the office in May 2020 after graduating from the POST academy. Her service included working in the Corrections division in both housing and intake. In 2022, she was elected to serve as a board member for the Davis County Sheriff's Employee Association.
What this means for South Weber
Residents of South Weber rely on the Davis County Sheriff's Office for essential services like corrections and specialized law enforcement programs. The recent loss of two dedicated officers on a local road serves as a reminder of the risks faced by those working in public safety to serve the community.
