DELTA -- It was a somber Tuesday night in Delta, as the community mourned the loss of Deputy Josie Greathouse Fox. She was killed death early this morning during a traffic stop just outside of town, and her death has left people in shock.

Hundreds turn out at candlelight vigil

Hundreds of Fox's family members and friends gathered in the Delta city park to honor the officer who was killed in the line of duty. For the past five years, Fox served the community as a Millard County Sheriff's Deputy.

"It's very beautiful; awesome," one mourner said. "It's a good tribute to a good lady who was a good friend of mine."

Through hugs and tears, people shared thoughts and memories of Fox, who they say always greeted them with a smile.

"Josie was a really awesome person," Delta resident Amanda Nielson said. "She had a great smile. She was always in a good mood. I don't think I've ever seen her in a bad mood, and even in tough situations she was always happy to be around."

Neighbors remember her as always being community-minded and having a presence around town -- both on and off duty -- that people respected.

"She comes into our store at least once or twice a week to see how we are doing, and we want to pay tribute to her and her family," Delta resident Greg Latham said. "We're all going to miss her very much."

Despite this tragedy, those who live in Delta say they can always count on each other to help them through tough times, and they pledged their support to Fox's family.

"We have a wonderful community and come together," Delta resident Betty Jo Western said. "It's amazing to see the support that this community has for its people."

Citizens, businesses honor fallen deputy

Earlier in the day, a makeshift memorial formed near the crime scene where Fox was killed. Local businesses used their marquees to honor her, as well as to spread the word about Tuesday's vigil.

Friends and family, including Fox's daughter, also remembered her by placing cups in a chain link fence. Their message read: "R.I.P. JO. We love U"

"I just want people to remember how sweet of a person she was. And she wasn't just a deputy, but she was a friend to everybody in Delta," said family friend LeeAnn Bishop. "She was just such a sweet person; very outgoing, very outspoken, very down to earth."

Aunt remembers deputy for sense of humor

Fox's aunt, Deb Greathouse, told KSL Newsradio in a phone interview Tuesday she will never forget Josie's sense of humor.

"Funny, very funny … the list could go on and on," Greathouse said. "She could put anybody at ease -- and yet they knew she was serious with her job." Greathouse describes Fox as a "go-getter" from a young age.

"When she was little, there was nothing she held back on -- if she wanted to say something she said it, if she wanted to do something she did it," Greathouse said. "I think the other officers were just so impressed with how she handled things and took hold of her job."

Sheriff's office says Fox was a dedicated deputy

The Millard County sheriff calls her loss devastating for the entire county. He said people from all over the state are sending their condolences.

Millard County sheriff's Capt. Forest Roper vouches for those sentiments. He says Fox was effective dealing with the county's growing gang problem because she communicated well with kids.

"Somebody my size approaches a kid -- 6 feet 5 inches tall, 280 pounds -- they don't necessarily open up," Roper said. "She could just get right to them, and they'd open up right away."

Related:

Deputy fatally shot; police searching for 2 men

Millard County sheriff's Deputy Josie Greathouse Fox was fatally shot during a traffic stop around 1 a.m. Tuesday. Officers are looking for the suspect, 37-year-old Roberto Miramontes Roman, and 36-year-old Ruben Chavez Reyes, who they call a person of interest.

Roper says he has known the family for a long time, and Fox showed interest in being a cop since she was a teenager.

He says the sheriff's office -- a tight-knit group of 43 total sworn officers and just 22 patrol deputies -- is devastated.

"We're a small department -- it really hits hard," Roper said.

It was around one this morning, just about a mile east of Delta on Highway 50, when Fox responded on a traffic stop. She called it in to dispatchers.

When another deputy arrived about five minutes later for backup, he found she had been shot once just above her bulletproof vest.

It appears Fox was shot without any warning. Her gun was still in its holster and her flashlight was still in her hand.

Fox is survived by her husband and two children. Police are still searching for her killer. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has ordered that flags at all state offices be lowered until sunset on Wednesday, Jan. 6, in honor of Deputy Fox.

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Story compiled with contributions from Sam Penrod and Andrew Adams.

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