PIERRE, S.D. (KCCR) – The Pierre City Commission took time at the end of their meeting Tuesday night to give respect to fallen Hughes County Chief Deputy Lee Weber ahead of his funeral today. Weber drowned in the Missouri River July 3 while trying to save his son, who fell in the river off a boat.

Commissioner Jim Mehlhaff says it’s been an emotional week in Hughes County and Pierre with the loss of Weber.

Mayor Steve Harding echoed Mehlhaff’s words especially when it comes to supporting law enforcement.

Harding also recognized Weber’s service to the South Dakota National Guard.

U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons with the U.S. Attorney’s Office issued a statement Wednesday on the passing of Lee Weber saying Weber was a “guardian in the highest and truest sense.” Parsons went on to say “Weber devoted his life to protecting his family, protecting his community and protecting his county.”

Parsons added that the men and women of the United States Department of Justice stand shoulder to shoulder with Weber’s family and our entire law enforcement family as they mourn his loss.