Families of fallen Utah officers honored at National Memorial Service in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — The sound of bagpipes echoed across the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol as thousands gathered to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

The National Memorial Service marked the end of Police Week, bringing together officers, families and supporters from across the country to remember 191 officers who died in the past year.

Tremonton-Garland Police Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada were among those officers honored. For their families and colleagues, the ceremony was both emotional and meaningful.

“It’s awesome to come towards the end of police week and you can get some closure for Lee and Eric,” said Lt. Skyler Gailey with the Tremonton-Garland Police Department. “It’s awesome to see our deputies here supporting us from the county as well and everyone. It’s great.”

The Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, Smithfield Police Department, Brigham City Police Department, Willard Police Department, Garland Fire Department, and the Department of Natural Resources were among the Utah agencies who sent representatives to Police Week in Washington D.C. to support Tremonton-Garland.

During the ceremony, families of the fallen officers approached a wreath on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, placing a flower in it to honor their loved ones.

It was a quiet but powerful moment shared among thousands in attendance.

Gailey said the support shown throughout the week stood out.

“The support is amazing,” he said. “The outpouring is more than I ever expected.”

The service included remarks from national leaders, including Vice President JD Vance, as well as the reading of each fallen officer’s name.

Among those attending the memorial was Box Elder County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Allred, who was critically injured along with his K9 Azula in the same incident the night Sorensen and Estrada were killed.

He knows how close he came to being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

“I got a little emotional at the ceremony and then as I was walking away and I was kind of away from everybody, that’s when it kind of really hit me,” he said.

Allred said the experience of Police Week goes beyond the formal ceremonies and highlights the connection among officers and the communities that support them.

“I remember all the support we were getting. Neighbors were talking with neighbors that don’t normally talk,” he said. “I was like, man, we need to keep this going. This is something that needs to not stop.”

For those who gathered in Washington, Police Week is one they wish they never had to be part of, but one they are grateful exists.

Related reading:  Families and colleagues honor fallen Tremonton-Garland officers during Police Week Candlelight Vigil