The Tremonton-Garland Police Department has confirmed the identities of the two officers tragically killed in the line of duty as Sgt. Lee Sorensen, 56, and Officer Eric Estrada, 31.
Both officers were involved in a shooting with a suspect on Aug. 17 after responding to reports of a domestic disturbance. During the incident, the suspect exited the home and opened fire, fatally striking both officers.
Sgt. Sorensen had 17 years of experience in law enforcement, 16 of which were with the Garland Police Department. Earlier this year, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Tremonton Fire Department for his dedication, professionalism, and support in assisting fire and EMS units. In 2020, he and his wife, Lanette, were also honored with Garland City’s Wheelon Award, recognizing their significant impact on the community.
Sorensen had recently been promoted to Sergeant and was scheduled to be sworn in on Friday, Aug. 22. He is survived by his wife and children.
Officer Estrada began his law enforcement career in 2017 with the Logan Police Department. He later served at the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, the North Park Police Department as a patrol officer and detective, and joined the Tremonton Police Department earlier this year, serving both as a line officer and a member of the community outreach team.
Estrada is survived by his wife, Brittney, and their two children, Cienna and Luka.
A procession honoring Sgt. Sorensen and Officer Estrada will be held on Aug. 18, beginning at 4 p.m. The route will start at the Medical Examiner’s Office in Taylorsville and head north to Tremonton, bringing Sorensen and Estrada to the Rudd Funeral Home in Garland and the Allen-Hall Mortuary in Logan, respectively. Community members are encouraged to line the procession route to show support and respect for the fallen officers and their families.
In addition, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has ordered flags throughout the state to be flown at half-staff until the funeral services for Sgt. Sorensen and Officer Estrada are held.
“We owe these heroes a debt that can never be repaid,” Gov. Cox said. “As we grieve, let us also recommit to supporting the men and women of law enforcement who stand on the front lines to keep our neighborhoods safe. May God bless the Sorensen and Estrada families, and all those who are hurting in this time of loss.”
A deputy from the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office and his service dog were also struck by gunfire during the incident. The deputy has since been released from the hospital and is recovering in “fair” condition, while the service dog is receiving care at a veterinary clinic as a precaution.
The suspect, identified as Ryan Michael Bate, 33, has been arrested and faces two counts of capital aggravated murder, one count of first-degree felony attempted aggravated murder, and one count of misdemeanor assault.
