A life remembered, services held for Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser
May 13, 2024, 2:56 PM | Updated: 5:45 pm
The funeral procession for Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser, killed in the line of duty on May 5, 2024. A Utah County prosecutor is seeking the death penalty for Michael Jayne, the man accused of killing Sgt. Hooser. (Aimee Cobabe, KSL NewsRadio)
(Aimee Cobabe, KSL NewsRadio)
Listen to KSL NewsRadio reporter Aimee Cobabe’s live interview from the scene.
SANTAQUIN, Utah — Monday was a day for friends, family and colleagues to say goodbye to Sgt. Bill Hooser of the Santaquin Police Department. Hooser was killed in the line of duty a little more than a week ago.
The day began with a funeral at the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University in Orem, where friends spoke of the type of police officer Sgt. Hooser was and how much they admired his work.
Sgt. Hooser’s family also spoke in Orem and shared more about the officer’s life. His daughter remembered how much Hooser loved being a grandfather.
Family and loved ones attend the funeral services for Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser in the UCCU Center at UVU in Orem on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
“I saw a side of my dad that I’d never seen before,” she said. “She was the highlight of his life. Any chance my dad could, he would go out of his way to see Paxton.”
Shayle said everyone else in the family knew to get their time in with baby Paxton before Bill arrived and hogged her attention.
His niece, Ashley Dowd, shared a poem with those who’d gathered in Orem and asked that, despite being outside traditional funeral protocol, they give him a round of applause for Hooser’s service.
Procession to Santaquin
Next, thousands of cars, trucks, fire engines and American flags were lined up along I-15 between Orem and Santaquin, Utah, for the funeral procession of Sgt. Hooser.
A hero’s tribute on the overpass of I-15 at University Avenue Provo as these people and first responders receive their fallen brother on the way to his final resting place. pic.twitter.com/ab8qNvfZDC
— Rikki Meece (@KSLRikki) May 13, 2024
Earlier, Santaquin Police Chief Rod Hurst told those who will wear the uniform tomorrow not to be discouraged.
“It’s okay to be afraid,” Hurst said. “Be at peace, no matter what happens, the law enforcement community and the citizens you serve will rally around you.”
Graveside service for Hooser
After the procession from Orem to the Santaquin City Cemetery, friends and family gathered again for prayer. Hundreds of officers, their families, and community members came to pay their respects at the cemetery.
It was quiet but for the bagpipes and drums that escorted Sgt. Hooser’s casket.
Law enforcement officers stood at attention and saluted as Sgt. Hooser’s body was set down. Then after a prayer, a 21-gun salute and Taps.
The American flag draped over Hooser’s casket was carefully folded, and handed to his widow.
And as the Santaquin police force gave their final salute, each took a moment to lay their gloves on his casket before walking away.
Related reading:
- Honor Flag arrives in Utah to honor Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser
- LISTEN: Gold Star Wife Jennie Taylor shares the power community can hold over grief
- Candlelight vigil held in honor of fallen police officer Sgt. Bill Hooser
- Santaquin residents honor fallen officer
- LISTEN: Police give update on Santaquin police officer death
