Sunday, August 17, 2025 started out as just another hot, summer day in Tremonton. The sun rose at 6:40 am, the temperature at 6:35 am registered 68 degrees, heading towards a projected high of 90. The wind was relatively calm, with the largest gust hitting 18 mph. Visibility was good, It started out as just another day. The temperature dropped officially to 87 degrees by 7:35 pm; the sunset at 8:25 pm. All in all, it was just another hot summer day, and Tremonton looked forward to the cooling evening.
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Delhi Section of Dwarka Expressway & Urban Extension Road. National news was dominated by President Trump’s handling of civil unrest in Los Angeles; foreign policy was being formulated on the War in Ukraine; another hurricane, this one named ‘Erin’ gathered speed, eventually reaching speeds of 160 mph as it rose in fury to a Category 5 hurricane, paralleling the eastern U.S. coast. All in all, while noteworthy in their own regard, but nothing to indicate that an even more powerful storm was about to descend on Tremonton- whose Mayberry-like idyllic setting was far-removed from newsworthy events.
Just after 9:00 pm, ‘Mayberry’ took on an unfamiliar aura, when shots rang out in the area of 700 W. and 200 E. In an instant, a Tremonton- Garland Police Department officer was down, then another, both fatally injured. Shortly thereafter, a Box Elder County Deputy and his K-9 companion were also hit. Fortunately, Deputy Mike Allred and his K-9 companion, Azula, though wounded, lived through the ordeal. Sargent Lee Sorensen, a 59-year-old 16-year veteran and 32-year-old Eric Estrada, who had recently joined the force after beginning his career in Cache County, were both tragically dead. A summer day in ‘Mayberry’ was shattered, amid the blare of sirens, lock-downs, hysterics, disbelief and total mayhem. What a sad, chaotic ending to what had suddenly become an unforgettable historic day.
The suspect surrendered, as the neighborhood held its collective breath, each wondering how such a senseless, violent crime could happen in their quiet community…and collectively, the entire community wondered “Now what?”
Traveling the corridor along I-15 the next day was literally a site to behold. Dozens of police patrols mobilized, with all of Northern Utah at high alert. Flashing lights were everywhere, as officers from around the state showed their strength. No one was really sure the crisis was over, but they dared not relax- this wasn’t just another violent crime- it was a total disregard for human life, at a community’s top level of trust. The dead were not criminals or even ordinary citizens. These brave men had sworn to protect the citizens, with their very lives. They were cops, trained and willing to do the tough stuff, no one else wants to even acknowledge. Though bound by their creed, I’m sure neither expected for their lives to end on that otherwise normal summer evening.
Cop-killing rates, though perceived as relatively rare, are alarmingly high nationally. Statistically, 140-160 policemen die each year in the United States, performing their sworn duties. On the day of the funeral, officers talked about the brotherhood that exists within departments. Recollections of their fallen comrades were recalled in almost sacred terms. Officers from all over thronged to the services, in a show of respect from throughout the Intermountain area, some coming from as far away as New York to respect the memories of those brave men; but more importantly to honor the legacy of an often-maligned group of first responders who put their lives on the line every day- policemen, investigators, firemen, EMTs, administrators. Each performs courageous acts every day for the collective good of the public. Their reward: a meager paycheck, interrupted sleep and long hours, every single day of their professional lives.
So, the question remains: “Now what?’ It was answered in stages as department heads, county officials, the governor, and so many more resolved to honor the officers’ memories in the most respectful manner possible. Flags flew at half-mast, processions with flashing lights drove through seemingly endless displays of flags, riderless horses walked the rodeo arena, testimonials were given, meals delivered, donations made, as honors were bestowed in every conceivable manner to respect the fallen warriors and their families.
Sadly, public display is one thing, and the compelling question of “Now what?” remains to be manifest deep inside the hearts and souls of every good citizen. These good men gave their lives- but, why? I challenge you to ponder that question deeply. Professionals tell us that bad things happen, with seemingly little that we can do to avoid random violence or tragedy. It just happens. However, those who analyze human behavior closely, tell us that each of us has an infinite super power and capacity to cope, regardless of circumstance. The name of this superpower was engrained in most of us at our mothers’ knees. It’s the God-given capacity to choose; to assign meaning to events in our lives. People starve, thousands die senselessly every day, and sometimes it becomes personal- not just a random event in a very big world, but a massive shock wave, rocking our world and of those we love and care about.
I challenge you to look deep into your souls, resolving to turn the narrative of the terrible events of August 17, 2025 into a powerful day of personal resolve. It can become the day you vowed to take better care of your family; it can become the day you resolved to show more respect for those in authority; it can become the day you fearlessly stood up to face the injustices bullies inflict on minorities. Or it can become the day you quietly pulled the blanket over your head, cried in the corner and lost faith in humanity- the choice is yours.
Your resolve doesn’t have to take the form of an immediate, dramatic action; it’s enough to resolve to be a little better today than yesterday, and maybe a bit more the day after that and on and on. Incremental changes, though often hard to measure in the short term, make massive differences in our own lives and in the lives of others. So, smile a little more today; allow that obnoxious driver to change lanes with a friendly wave instead of a one-finger salute; give a loved one a big hug; let someone know why you appreciate them. Small acts collectively bring huge results. Make a difference by being a little different, one step at a time. Resolve to make the world a little better every single day of your life- it’s the perfect way to honor those who have sacrificed so much for us.
The narrative of this senseless and tragic day can burn in your heart as your own personal date of resolve. Only you have the power to unleash this powerful gift; to choose, to assign meaning in a positive way. Choose to make each day a little better, not just for you, but for the sake of humanity. You never know whose life you may be saving.
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