TREMONTON – Box Elder County residents showed their true colors when it came to supporting the families of the fallen policemen who recently lost their lives trying to help members of their community.
The Box Elder County Fair held their livestock auction for youth and their animals on Saturday, Aug. 23.
A half hour before the auction they opened a time when the public could make donations to the families of Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada who were killed in the line of duty on Sunday, Aug. 17.
A third officer, Deputy Mike Allred with the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, was also shot, along with his K-9 police service dog, Azula. Both were released and were recognized at last weekend’s rodeo.
Tremonton Mayor Lyle Holmgren said it was incredible; everybody wanted to donate any way they could. They raised about $230,000 in 20 minutes at the fundraiser.
“It’s been very heartwarming to see the community come out to support these officers and wounded Deputy Allred and his K-9,” Holmgren said. “It also just was heartwarming to see how the community grieves.”
The memorial in front of the city office continues to grow and so do donations.
“The amount of the donations continues to rise,” he said. “I think it’s safe to say the amount of money has grown to well over $300,000.”
He said they passed a boot around at the Golden Spike Rodeo and there was approximately $20,000 collected at the rodeo, alone.
“It has been quite a thing to watch and see the outpouring of love and support for these families,” he said. “That says a lot about our community.”
Holmgren said he knew the officers well, he worked with them.
“Sorenson was going to receive his promotion to Sargent,” he said. “We have been appreciative of their selfless service to our community.”
Public viewings for Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Bear River High School in Garland.
Officer Estrada’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m., and Sgt. Sorensen’s funeral is planned for the following day, Friday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m. Both services will take place at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on the campus of Utah State University in Logan