BOX ELDER COUNTY — Memorial services are beginning for the two Tremonton-Garland police officers who were shot and killed in the line of duty. Public viewings for Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada will be held today, Wednesday, from 3 to 7 p.m. in Garland at Bear River High School, 1450 S. Main St.
Officer Estrada’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m., and Sgt. Sorensen’s funeral is planned for Friday at 10 a.m. Both services will take place at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on the campus of Utah State University in Logan. Officials are asking those who plan to attend to expect traffic delays. The services will be broadcast on News Talk KVNU, 102.1 FM, 610 AM, KVNUTalk.com, and the KVNU mobile app.
The Box Elder School District announced classes will be dismissed early today, and schools will be closed Thursday and Friday, to support students, staff, and families. District officials said they recognize the importance of allowing families the opportunity to participate in or view the funeral services, as well as assisting with community projects during this time of remembrance.
Estrada and Sorensen were killed on Aug. 17 while responding to a domestic disturbance call in Tremonton. A third officer, Deputy Mike Allred, and his K-9, Azula, were also shot and injured but have since been released from the hospital. The suspect, 32-year-old Ryan Michael Bate, has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder, a capital offense; four counts of attempted aggravated murder, a first-degree felony; and other charges. Prosecutors have filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty in accordance with state law.