Family of fallen Santaquin officer: ‘He died doing a job he loved’

SANATQUIN — The family of a fallen Santaquin police officer who was hit and killed by a semitruck driver a week ago says he wasn’t even supposed to be working that morning and was filling in for another officer.

The procession for Sgt. Bill Hooser is underway, funeral services begin at 10.

A public viewing was held for Sgt. Bill Hooser, 50, at Apple Valley Elementary School on Sunday evening. Dozens of people came out to pay their respects to a man being called a hero who died doing what he loved.

Hooser’s brother, two sister-in-laws and a brother-in-law spoke to the media at the elementary school talking about the incredible legacy he left behind.

Doing what he loved to do

“This day is tough. He died doing a job that he loved,” said Randy Hooser, a brother. “He was more than just a cop. He was bigger than life. Everything he did was big.”

“He was like one of my best friends,” said Troy Starley, a brother-in-law. “It’s going to be a hole in my life, a long, long time.”

“I will miss him so much. This is terrible for our family and our hearts are shattered. It’s going to be a hard one to get past,” said Lynn Starley, a sister-in-law.

“The things that made Bill, a wonderful cop, a wonderful police officer also made him a wonderful human being. That’s who we’re grieving today. He leaves behind two beautiful daughters, a granddaughter, a wife, brothers, sisters,” said Jodie Hooser, a sister-in-law. “I think one of the words that we can all use to sum up Bill is passion. He was so passionate about everything that he did.”

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Related reading:

• Funeral arrangements for Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser
• Slain Santaquin officer enjoyed ‘making a difference’ with police work
• Santaquin Police Department identifies officer hit and killed by semitruck driver