In the aftermath of the killing of two police officers in Tremonton, emotions are raw among those who loved and worked with the law enforcement officials.
“We are living every cop’s worst nightmare, make no mistake on that,” said Dustin Cordova, chief of the Tremonton-Garland Police Department, where the two officers — Sgt. Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada — worked.
He takes a measure of solace knowing that without their presence at the deadly scene outside a Tremonton home, things could have been worse.
“Knowing what happened, knowing the information, I can say unequivocally that Eric and Lee are heroes. ... I truly believe from the bottom of my heart more people would have died that night had they not intervened,” he said.
Likewise, Box Elder Sheriff Kevin Potter and chief deputy Cade Palmer lauded the efforts of deputy Mike Allred, injured in the incident along with a police dog, though both are expected to recover. Allred suffered a gunshot wound following the killings of Sorensen and Estrada and, after taking cover, directed other responding officers to the scene.
“They were coming in the wrong way. He was able to redirect them so they didn’t come right into the line of fire,” Palmer said.
The heroics notwithstanding, it’s hard.
Cordova, Potter and the mayors of Tremonton and Garland addressed the media Tuesday, expressing the community’s sadness and other swirling sentiments over Sunday’s tragic events. Sorensen, 56, and Estrada, 31, died Sunday while responding to a domestic violence call at a Tremonton home, gunned down, authorities say, by Ryan Michael Bate, 32. Allred and the police dog that was injured trailed behind the first two officers.
“Our hearts are broken and our deepest love and prayers are for the families, their friends and fellow law enforcement,” said Tremonton Mayor Lyle Holmgren. “These officers served our community with courage, dedication, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Garland Mayor Linda Bourne said the community mourns with the two officers’ families and friends. “No words can ease the pain of such a loss, but I want their loved ones to know that they do not grieve alone. We mourn with you. We honor their sacrifice and we will never forget them.”
Blue ribbons were tied around many trees and poles throughout Tremonton on Tuesday and tributes to them filled the lawn around the Tremonton-Garland Police Department. “Never forget Sgt Sorensen & Ofc Estrada,” read one sign. “Rest easy,” read another.
Aside from honoring Sorensen, Estrada and Allred, Bourne sent a message to the broader Tremonton-Garland Police Department. “To the members of our police department, please know that our community stands with you. We recognize the risk you take every day to keep us safe, and we’re forever grateful for your service.”
Cordova, meantime, expressed thanks at the outpouring of support from across the state in response to Sunday’s incident. People lined roadways around Utah to view the procession escorting the bodies of Sorensen and Estrada to the medical examiner’s office and then back home to northern Utah.
The community “gives us great strength, seeing the thousands of people line the roads holding flags to support us, to show us that they care,” he said.
Madison Peterson, Sorensen’s niece, also spoke at Tuesday’s press conference, praising the showing of support from around the state and remembering her uncle.
“One thing about Lee is he was community driven,” she said. “His favorite quote was, ‘There is no higher honor than human service ... To work for the common good is the greatest deed.’ That’s Lee through and through, not only when he was here working but on his personal time.”
A representative from the Estrada family didn’t speak as they wrestle with the tragedy, according to Cordova. “They just need time to grieve, and we need to respect that,” he said.
In a written statement late Tuesday, Eric Estrada’s wife Brittney Estrada said: “Everything feels surreal at the moment, but we are so proud of Eric and Lee for their sacrifice.”
“We are so thankful for the time we had with Eric. I know he’s in heaven smiling down,” she said.
While blue ribbons adorned trees and other fixtures around Tremonton, reps from the Ogden-based Weber Fraternal Order of Police were on hand outside the Tremonton-Garland Police Department offering support and snacks. Darick Fisher, president of the organization and an Ogden police sergeant, said the presence stemmed from the tight bonds within the law enforcement community. “It’s just a community of people who understand what’s going on,” he said.
A vigil was held later Tuesday to remember the officers.
Meanwhile, neighbors who live around the home where Sunday’s incident occurred were clearing the lawn of overgrowth. They had received permission from the woman who lives there. “It’s been hard to process the reality,” said Tiffany Taylor, one of the neighbors assisting with the effort.
Sunday’s killings occurred as officers responded to several 911 hang-up calls from the neighborhood. Before police arrived, Bate had “assaulted his wife by slamming her head into a door frame,” the affidavit in the man’s case reads. He was booked into the Weber County Jail for investigation of two counts of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder and assault.