St. George cops journey to honor fallen colleagues at Tremonton funerals

ST. GEORGE, Utah (KUTV) — Ten officers from the St. George Police Department are touring to northern Utah to attend the funerals of Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada, who had been each killed whereas responding to 911 hangups in Tremonton.

For St. George emergency dispatcher Lucas Dunham, there was no choice however to attend.

“To me this wasn’t a decision,” Dunham stated. “I worked with Officer Estrada for about two years in my time with Cache County and Logan City. You build a connection and it’s like a true family.”

Dunham stated the loss will not be solely private however deeply felt throughout the complete first responder group.

“Anywhere this happens, it shakes the community,” he stated. “It’s very tight-knit up there. Everyone knows everyone. I can only imagine what they’re going through.”

He is touring alongside Officer Seth Lefevre who serves on St. George’s peer help workforce, which supplies sources for officers and their households coping with trauma.

“The stresses officers see day in and day out can create a lot of emotional trauma,” Lefevre defined. “Peer support is there to recognize when someone needs help and can connect them with resources.”

Lefevre stated making the journey north is only one small manner southern Utah can stand in solidarity.

“We’re deeply saddened by the loss of these officers. They are truly heroes in our communities,” he stated. “If there’s anything we can do, we are here to support their families, coworkers and loved ones.”

Both males stated legislation enforcement officers can battle to simply accept assist and that help from the general public is significant. From snacks delivered to first responders throughout wildfires, to phrases of encouragement throughout troublesome moments, small gestures can go a good distance.

Gov. Spencer Cox has ordered flags throughout Utah to stay at half-staff till each officers are laid to relaxation.

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