05/05/08

Family and friends said goodbye to a local hero today.

Jerry Morton, Patriot Guard Rider, said, “We're here today to honor Sheriff Stephen Southwick. He was a retired county Sheriff, he also was retired military.

Stephen Verlon Southwick, former Lincoln county sheriff, died last month in a motorcycle accident.

Law enforcement from across the state, along with the patriot guard riders, attended the service at Dietrich High School.

Shane Leiser, Patriot Guard Rider, said, “I've been involved in about forty of these, and you know, none of them get easier. None of them, they don't get easier.

Friends and family describe Southwick as a man of strength. At the high school today, officers saluted and flags waved.

PGR members are riding with the body into Utah, where Southwick will be laid to rest in Liberty.

To many, Southwick was a brother, a father, a friend - and to most, a hero.

Andrew Logsdon, KMVT News.