Mayors Message – September 2025

Mayor Lyle Holmgren

At the funerals of Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada, one theme stood out to me above all others—their lives were defined by service. They gave of themselves completely to the communities they loved, and they served as examples of selfless sacrifice. So, the question for us now is how we, as a community, continue that legacy.

I believe one of the answers is choosing to serve others. Service doesn’t always mean wearing a badge or uniform. It can involve volunteering in local programs, mentoring a child, helping a neighbor in need, supporting our schools, delivering meals to those in need, showing kindness in everyday interactions, or simply smiling and saying hello.

In the days following this tragic experience, we have already seen remarkable displays of this spirit in action. Neighbors gathered to clean and restore the site of the tragedy, turning a place of sorrow into one of healing. At the Box Elder County Fair, families, friends, and local businesses raised over $287,000 at the start of the junior livestock auction to support Lee and Eric’s loved ones. During the rodeo, riderless horses were led into the arena as a silent tribute. The crowd cheered when Sheriff’s Deputy Allred and his K9 partner, Azula, both recovering from their wounds, entered the rodeo arena to be thanked for their service. Attendees had the chance to contribute as organizers, “Passed the Boot,” allowing people to give. Members held vigils and healing events, while law enforcement agencies from across Utah stepped in to support our local officers—giving them space to grieve and reminding us all that we are not alone.

The Apostle Paul taught in Galatians, “Let us not be weary in well doing [but] let us do good unto all men.” These words remind us that every act of service, large or small, strengthens the bonds of community that Lee and Eric worked so hard to protect.

As we move forward, we must remember who we are as a people. We are a community that chooses compassion over indifference, unity over division, and light over darkness. That is the legacy Lee and Eric leave us, and it is the charge we must carry.

If we commit ourselves to serving one another—just as they served us—we will not only keep their memory alive, but we will help build a stronger, safer, and more hopeful Tremonton for generations to come.