'His loss is deeply personal': Colorado police corporal dies after wakeboarding accident
Pueblo, Colorado, police Corporal Stephen Biggs served as a patrol training officer and SWAT team member before his death in a wakeboarding accident at Lake Pueblo State Park. (Credit: Pueblo Police Department)
PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. - An off-duty police corporal in Pueblo, Colorado, died following a wakeboarding accident at Lake Pueblo State Park, the Pueblo Police Department said.
Dig deeper:
Corporal Stephen Biggs was involved in the accident Sept. 27. After a search and recovery effort, his body was recovered around 2 a.m. Sept. 28, with the Pueblo County Coroner’s Office standing by.
Biggs’ next of kin has been notified. The cause and manner of death will be released by the coroner’s office.
The backstory:
Biggs joined the Pueblo Police Department in October 2010. He served as a patrol training officer and was a distinguished member of the department’s SWAT team.
During his career, Biggs received 10 letters of commendation, three Medal of Valor awards and the Distinguished Service Award.
A patrol car parked outside the Pueblo Police Department in Colorado honors Corporal Stephen Biggs, who died in a wakeboarding accident at Lake Pueblo State Park. (Credit: Pueblo Police Department)
What they're saying:
"Working with Stephen was an honor, and his loss is deeply personal," Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller said. "His courage, dedication, and commitment to his fellow officers meant so much to our department. I was proud to serve with him, and I will miss him. My heart is with his family, his friends, and everyone in our department who is grieving his loss."
The department extended its condolences to Biggs’ family, friends, coworkers and everyone who knew him. Officials asked the public to respect the family’s privacy.
"Colorado Parks and Wildlife extends its deepest sympathy to the family, friends and fellow officers of Corporal Stephen Biggs," said Frank McGee, the agency’s Southeast Region manager. "As fellow law enforcement officers, we stand with the Pueblo Police Department in mourning the loss of a brother officer."
What's next:
Biggs’ patrol car will be parked in front of the Pueblo Police Department at 200 South Main Street as a tribute.
The Source: The information in this story came from a Facebook post published by the Pueblo Police Department. The post provided details about Corporal Stephen Biggs’ death, his career and awards, statements from Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Southeast Region Manager Frank McGee, as well as information about the recovery effort and memorial tribute. This story was reported from Los Angeles.