Estimated read time: 7-8 minutes
- About 1,500 people gathered to remember slain Tremonton police officer Eric Estrada in funeral services on Thursday.
- Estrada's family and colleagues said he was a loving father and dedicated officer.
- Utah Gov. Spencer Cox praised Estrada's commitment to community service and ultimate sacrifice.
LOGAN — Cienna Estrada said her father took pride in his lawn and "he loved his hair."
She recalled frequently seeing her parents kiss in the kitchen, and although it grossed her out, she knew they loved each other.
Her father, Tremonton-Garland police officer Eric Estrada, was "up for almost anything," she said, sharing a story about when he made the trampoline wet with a hose so they could jump on it and how he would take her and her brother to swim in a river on warm days.
"We love you and we miss you," she said.
About 1,500 community members and law enforcement officials from around the state gathered at the Spectrum in Logan on Thursday to honor Estrada, who died in the line of duty almost two weeks ago.
He and Sgt. Lee Sorensen were shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call in Tremonton on Aug. 17. Hundreds braved a downpour on Wednesday to attend a public viewing for both officers at Bear River High School. Police officers from across the state and country attended in uniform to support their fallen brothers.
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.
A family man
Jesus Estrada shared how his brother brought "humor and heart to the badge."
"He made people feel safe, but he also made them smile," he said.
He reflected on the "simple perfect moments" and memories he has of his brother. He misses his spirit, energy and presence, calling him "one-of-a-kind."
"Eric, you aren't just a memory, you are a part of who we are — a legend in the little leagues. The laughs, the games, the badge, the late-night talks and the love you poured into your family and your community," Jesus Estrada said.
Tremonton-Garland Police Chief Dustin Cordova described Estrada as a "true hero" who ran toward danger to save his fellow officer. Cordova said he is humbled to have served with Estrada, who was the newest officer of the department.
"He was the kind of person who could walk into a room and change it with his smile, with his humor and the way he cared about people," he said.
Estrada was hard-working, honest and driven, and the kind of officer he was reflected his family, the chief said.
"His love, his loyalty, his laughter and his courage are reflections of them. The way he lived was a direct extension of the values and kindness of his home," Cordova said.
When Estrada spoke about the family, you could see just how deeply he loved them, Cordova said.
"He wasn't just an amazing officer, he was the very best father and husband," Cordova said. "Our community will always carry the imprint of his kindness."
'Lived to serve'
Estrada began his career in 2017 with the Logan Police Department. He then joined the Box Elder County Sheriff's Office, where he first served in the jail. Afterward, he worked as a patrol officer and detective at the North Park Police Department before returning to the Box Elder County Sheriff's Office. Earlier this year, Estrada joined the Tremonton Police Department, where he served as a line officer and a member of the community outreach team.
Tremonton police detective Michelle Cluff gave Estrada's eulogy, sharing how she first met Estrada in the police academy when he was tasked with training her. Despite moving to different departments, they ended up back together again in Box Elder County and Tremonton.
She said all Estrada wanted to do was serve the community in which he was raised and his family lived.
"The community, the people he encountered every day, meant everything to him," Cluff said.
Cluff recounted a story of how, after arresting a man for driving under the influence, Estrada spoke with the man and helped convince him to turn his life around. That man has been sober ever since and has a family of his own.
"This is the man and the officer Eric was: a man who valued and understood humanity," Cluff said. Estrada was always participating in outreach programs to connect with community members, she added.
She said the Box Elder first responders have felt immense support from the community, noting that the intense love has helped them push through the pain and numbness.
Cluff said it was fitting that Sorensen and Estrada both went together because "neither of them would have left the other alone. And they both lived to serve and protect the community."
"I will spend the rest of my career trying to be half the officer you were," Cluff said.
Gov. Spencer Cox said he met with Estrada's family the day after the shooting. Brittney Estrada lit up when he asked her to tell him about her husband, sharing how they met and what kind of person he was.
He asked her what her husband's "why" was for being a cop, and she said he just wanted to make a difference.
"(Eric) wanted to make a difference and make their community better and paid the ultimate price for doing that," Cox said. "Today, as I look around the 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. ... I'm humbled and grateful that Eric Estrada was one of those people."
While looking at family photos, Cox was touched by one of Estrada curled up in a crib with his young daughter.
"That picture told me everything I needed to know about Eric," the governor said.
Alpine Church Pastor John Belles opened the funeral with a speech emphasizing hope, saying "we can grieve with or without hope."
"Times of loss like this are difficult," he said. "Let God comfort you as he walks through this with you."
Pastor Belles said it's likely people are experiencing a lot of emotions amid this tragedy: sadness, anger, fear and more. But with hope in God, those emotions can be lessened and peace and joy can be found.
"Joy can be experienced even in the worst of experiences. We can experience joy in times of weeping and in times of mourning and in times of dancing," he said.
After the funeral, Estrada's casket was carried in a procession to the Logan City Cemetery. Hundreds of officers lined the cemetery path as the family walked to the burial site, creating a police cortege almost half a mile long. Estrada was laid to rest with a 21-gun salute before the family held a private burial service.
Estrada was thanked for his service and honored for his legacy during his "last radio call" where a dispatcher emotionally said a final goodbye to Estrada over the police's radio system.
Box Elder School District canceled classes Thursday and Friday so community members could attend the funerals. Fellow police agencies and fire departments worked together to get shifts covered so all Box Elder County first responders could attend the funeral.
An online fundraiser* was created for Estrada's family.
Funeral services are scheduled to be held for Sorensen Friday morning.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
