LOGAN — Thousands gathered to honor Tremonton-Garland police officer Eric Estrada who was killed in the line of duty almost two weeks ago. He, along with Sgt. Lee Sorensen, were shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call in Tremonton on Aug. 17.
Law enforcement from the throughout the state and other parts of the country joined family, friends, and community members, for Thursday’s funeral in USU’s Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.
Tremonton-Garland Police Detective Michelle Cluff remembered working with Officer Estrada, being trained by him as they both moved to different agencies. She explained how he was a man who valued and understood humanity, and had a great respect for Sgt. Sorensen.
“It is with horrible knowledge but truth nonetheless,” said Cluff, “that Lee and Eric went together. Neither of them left the other alone, and they both lived to serve and protect the community.”
Born and raised in Logan, 32-year-old Estrada leaves behind a wife and two kids whom he dearly loved. He had an infectious personality and lived a life of love and laughter, his obituary states. He loved pickleball, grilling, CrossFit, riding his bike, doing his hair and mowing the lawn.
Jesus Estrada, Eric’s brother, talked about growing up together in Hyrum, sharing a passion for sports and riding bikes to the library to rent movies. He said Eric was “one of a kind” and brought humor and heart to the badge.
“Eric wasn’t just a part of my life,” said Jesus. “He shaped it. He challenged me. He looked out for me, and showed me again and again what it means to love fiercely, live fully, and never do anything halfway.”
Throughout the funeral, pairs of law enforcement officers from throughout the state took turns standing guard beside Officer Estrada’s flag draped casket. The casket watch is a symbolic gesture, meant to show that fallen officers will be eternally watched by their brothers and sisters in arms.
Tremonton-Garland Police Chief Dustin Cordova said he was proud and honored to serve with Officer Estrada. He remembered how the department’s newest policeman would light up the room with a smile, humor, and the way he cared about people.
“Eric didn’t just wear a badge,” said Chief Cordova, “he embodied what it stands for. He put others before himself. He worked hard and he loved deeply. When the moment of truth came, he did what true heroes do, he ran towards danger to save his brother.”
Several slideshows were broadcast during the 60 minute service, showing Estrada growing up in his family and raising his two children with his wife.
During his remarks before the completion of the service, Gov. Spencer Cox talked about one of the family photos he had seen of Eric, showing the dad laying in a crib with his daughter. He also talked about how the fallen officer not only loved his family and friends, but complete strangers that he served.
“I think that is the greatest love of all,” stated Cox. “I don’t know if there are many of us in this world that would do that except today, as I look around this room, I’m in a room full of people who every single day are willing to lay down their lives, not just for their friends, but for perfect strangers. For some of us that don’t deserve it. I am humbled and grateful that Eric Estrada was one of those people.”
After the funeral, Estrada’s caskets was carried in a procession to the Logan City Cemetery for a family burial service.
An GoFundme account was created for Estrada’s family.