Two Tremonton officers identified

Identities are released for two Tremonton police officers killed in the line of duty after responding to a domestic disturbance.

Identities released for Tremonton officers killed in the line of duty

The Tremonton-Garland Police Department has identified Sergeant Lee Sorensen, 56, and Officer Eric Estrada, 31, as the two officers killed after responding to a domestic disturbance on August 17. The suspect exited the home and opened fire, fatally striking Sorensen and Estrada. A nearby Box Elder County deputy and his service dog were also shot; the deputy has been released from the hospital and is in fair condition, and the service dog is under veterinary care.
Sorensen had 17 years in law enforcement, including 16 years with Garland Police, and recently received a Distinguished Service Award for aiding fire and EMS during incidents. Estrada began his career with Logan Police in 2017 and joined Tremonton earlier this year, serving as a line officer and as part of the community outreach team. A funeral processional is planned for August 18 at 4 p.m., traveling from the Medical Examiner’s Office to Tremonton and then to the families’ communities. Governor Spencer Cox ordered flags flown at half-staff statewide until the funeral services.
Officials say the suspect, Ryan Michael Bate, 33, has been arrested on two counts of capital aggravated murder, plus counts of attempted aggravated murder and misdemeanor assault. Community members are invited to line the procession route to honor the officers and their families.

The tragedy places a spotlight on the risks faced by first responders and the communities that rely on them. Memorials, such as the half-staff order and public processions, offer space for collective mourning while raising questions about how local governments fund and support public safety in the days ahead. The episode also underscores the human cost of violent crime and how it shapes public trust in law enforcement and local governance.
Beyond the immediate grief, the incident could influence conversations about officer recruitment, retention, and mental health resources for crews who respond to high-risk calls. The coming days will test community resilience, the quality of memorials, and the clarity of political and ceremonial messages from leaders at the state and local level.

Highlights

The path forward will require steady support for those who serve and for the families who bear the cost of tragedy.