‘He would show up time and time again’: Family remembers officer killed in line of duty

BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — Signs, flags, and ribbons line the streets in Tremonton — a town community that recently lost two officers in the line of duty.

A large “Heroes are never forgotten” sign stands as a testimonial to the type of officers

Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada were. ABC4 spoke with Sergeant Lee Sorensen’s niece, Madison Peterson, to understand his life and the legacy he left behind.

“Obviously, we are hurting, but despite the turmoil and sadness, we have come closer together, with not just each other as a family, but our community as well,” Peterson told ABC4.

Sorensen made a lasting impact within the community through his 16 years of service with the Tremonton Garland Police Department. He was recently promoted to Sergeant and planned to be sworn in to his new role on August 22. Sorensen is survived by his wife, Lanette, and their children.

Remembering Sorensen

Reiterating what has already been said by community members, Peterson shared the jokester Sorensen was. He was professional in his work and super fun to be around. He loved serving alongside his wife in the 4-H program as well as being part of the Special Olympic games with children from the community.

As the family is still coping with the loss, Lanette Sorensen did not wish to appear on camera. But extended her deepest gratitude to everyone who responded the night of the shooting. “The message she wants to share is, ‘Thank you,'” Peterson said.

“The family was overwhelmed from the support shown at the procession and truly felt like everyone came not to just honor Sergeant Sorensen, but his family as well,” she continued.

Garland was special for Sorensen. While he could’ve worked anywhere in the world, Peterson said being born and raised in Garland was special to him and he wanted to continue to serve his hometown.

When asked about Sorensen’s response the night he was killed, Peterson said, “He wouldn’t do anything different. He would show up time and time again.”

That night, Deputy Mike Allred with the Box Elder Sheriff’s Department and his K9 Azula were also injured, but survived, after they responded to a call for backup, leaving three families reeling after the Tremonton shooting.

The family is working with Ace Hardware in Tremonton to arrange a raffle, the proceeds of which will go to support all three families impacted by the shooting on Sunday, August 19.

All donations and bids will go to the families. They should wrap up by Labor Day weekend where they will do a drawing for those prizes. It’s another way for them to bring the community together.

The Box Elder County Fair’s parade on Wednesday will include two horses with no riders in remembrance of the fallen officers. They will be led by loved ones of the officers. The following night (Wednesday) at the rodeo will be the domestic violence night. It will be a way to offer resources to those suffering.

The family wants to honor Sergeant Sorensen’s memory forever. One of his favorite quotes brings to light the kind of man that Sergeant Lee Sorensen was to the family and to the community:

“There is no higher honor than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest deed.”