LOGAN — For the second day in a row, USU’s Dee Glen Smith Spectrum was transformed from a place of excitement to somber remembrance Friday, as funeral services were held for Sgt. Lee Sorensen. He, along with Officer Eric Estrada, were killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call in Tremonton on Aug. 17.
Officer Colton Buckley worked in Sgt. Sorensen’s crew in the Tremonton-Garland Police Department for over a year. He reflected on how Lee was always giving to others, never asking for anything in return.
“I stand with you all today to honor not just a father and a friend, but the best example of what an officer is,” said Buckley.
Sgt. Sorensen, a 56-year-old lifelong resident of Garland, served his community for 16 years as an officer, recently earning the rank of sergeant. He was known for his love of community policing, his work as an emergency medical services instructor, and his role as a field training officer. He leaves behind his wife, Lanette, and two of their three children.
As part of the funeral, Officer Grayson Jackson, who was also a member of Lee’s patrol, said his crew chief was man who wore many hats. He said Sgt. Sorensen was always willing to step in to serve, to support, and to love.
“We are all here because an amazing man made an impact on us,” stated Jackson. “Lee was more than a protector in uniform but a man who made sure that those around him were cared for, laughed with, and never felt alone.”
During a brief slide show, photos of Lee and his family were shown to those in attendance. There were also pictures of his first job in law enforcement, serving briefly as a Utah Highway Patrol trooper in Salt Lake City.
Tremonton-Garland Police Chief Dustin Cordova said Sgt. Sorensen was more than just an officer but the cornerstone of the police department. He explained how the Garland man had a gift to teach, lift and inspire other people.
“Today we mourn our brother,” stated Chief Cordova, “who gave everything. He sacrificed himself to protect an innocent life that night and he will forever be our hero. His bravery is not just a memory, it is a torch passed to us. When we put on the badge tomorrow, we must carry it with honor in our hearts. We will hold the line, answer the call, and protect the innocent with renewed strength, for Lee, for his family, and for the people he gave everything to protect.”
Throughout the funeral, pairs of law enforcement officers from throughout the state took turns standing guard beside Sgt. Lee’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.
During his remarks before the completion of the service, Gov. Spencer Cox shared how he had learned so much from Lanette and Lee Sorensen, whose lives were filled by selfless service. He called the fallen officer a true man of the community, serving and loving everyone he interacted with.
“Lee was not just willing to take a bullet for all of us,” Gov. Cox said. “Lee was willing to wear out his life in service to all of us. That’s the boring part of shepherding. It’s giving back every single day. It’s showing up. It’s treating others with goodness, and kindness, and respect. It’s helping with the Special Olympics and 4-H. It’s volunteering in your local congregation. It’s making sure your neighbor is okay. It’s not caring whether they’re a Republican or Democrat, or whatever, it’s that they’re a human being. That’s what Lee and Lanette have taught me.”
After the funeral, a large precession was escorted by Logan City police through Logan and along Valley View Highway to the East Garland Cemetery for a private burial service.
A GoFundme account was created for Sorensen’s family.