Rob Nielsen, Standard-Examiner

Two Davis County deputies were remembered for being bright lights in the world. Cpl. Steven Lewis, 54, and Deputy Jennifer Turner, 39, died July 3 in a motorcycle accident in Weber County.

Friends and family were joined by numerous Davis County Sheriff’s Office representatives along with several dozen members of the public at the Dee Events Center on the Weber State University campus for a memorial service on Friday. In the program for the memorial service, Jennifer was identified as Jennifer Peterson Turner Lewis. The accident came days after the couple’s June 30 wedding.

Several family members spoke of the lives that Lewis and Turner led. This included Karissa Lewis, one of Steven’s three children.

“He was one hell of a host,” she said. “He loved gathering up his loved ones to share food, drinks and just time together. When he shined his light on you, you sure felt special.”

Daniel Peterson, one of Jennifer’s brothers, said the sky has grown a bit darker.

Photo Supplied, Davis County Sheriff's Office

“We have lost two stars in our sky,” he said. “Two stars that shone very brightly. Something that has left our sky darker — it certainly has mine — but as you look around, we find we are all connected and we see many more stars appear.”

Tonielyn Jorgensen, one of Jennifer’s sisters, said she would’ve gone far in her career if the time had been there.

“Jen loved law enforcement and had dreams of going even further in her profession than she was at,” she said. “She talked of becoming a detective. Were she still here, I have a feeling her tenacity would’ve put her wherever she wanted to be.”

Steven’s niece, Jessie Seager, spoke of her memories of her uncle.

“I experienced a major shift in my world view regarding religion, societal expectations and a redefinition of my personal values,” she said. “Going through that was difficult, terrifying, lonely and isolating. I knew that Steve had a very similar experience and he immediately one of the people I knew I could trust with my story — a person of whom I could ask questions without judgement and someone I could rely on as an extra support to keep me upright. I still remember from the first moment I told him what I was struggling with, he empathized with me and told me he would be there for me as I went through my personal journey.”

Steven lewis joined the Davis County Sheriff’s Office after six years in the United States Army, according to a press release detailing his background and career.

“In 2019, Deputy Lewis was honored by the Utah Gang Investigators Association for his commitment to safety and security within the Jail,” the release said. “Lewis located two homemade weapons on two federal inmates housed in our facility. Both of those inmates were documented gang members. His attention to detail and commitment to thorough searches undoubtedly prevented serious bodily injury to staff and other inmates. In February 2021, Deputy Steven Lewis was selected by the executive staff to help spearhead the beginning of a new program within the Sheriff’s Office. This new program became the Recruitment/Mentor Program. In 2021, Deputy Lewis was promoted to the rank of corporal, where he found his footing as a supervisor, helping other deputies learn the ropes. In 2022, Lewis took on a specialty assignment, leading the Davis County Honor Guard. In June, Cpl. Lewis was assigned to the firearms team, a position he was excited to hold.”

He leaves behind three children, Katie Lewis-Toledo, Karissa Lewis, Steven Wade Lewis, five grandchildren, and his parents, Robyn and Ralph Lewis.

The release also detailed Jennifer’s just-over-three-years with the office.

“Deputy Turner was a kind and compassionate deputy who was also EMT certified and enjoyed passing her knowledge on to other students as an EMT instructor at Salt Lake Community College. Serving in our Corrections division, Deputy Turner worked in housing and intake. In 2022, she was elected to represent Corrections by serving as a board member for the Davis County Sheriff’s Employee Association. She was selected for the Ankle Monitor Program in 2022, an alternative to incarceration for non-violent offenders that holds them accountable while allowing them to remain in the community, maintain employment, participate in necessary treatment, and be with their loved ones. In her short time at the office she will be remembered for her love of helping others and seeing lives changed for the better. Jennifer leaves behind her three children, June, Ashlyn, and Bryce, her parents, Daryl and Colette Peterson, and many siblings,” the release said.

Following Friday’s memorial service, both of their remains were taken to the Brigham City Cemetery for interment.

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