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SALT LAKE CITY — The United States Honor Flag accompaied fallen Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser during his funeral on Monday.
Chris Heisler, the founder of the United States Honor Flag, personally escorted the flag sealed in a black case to Salt Lake City. The flag arrived at the Salt Lake City International Airport Saturday afternoon.
It was then taken to Santaquin, where an honor guard presented and placed the flag on a podium next to Hooser's casket during his funeral on Monday.
Hooser was killed in the line of duty on Sunday, May 5.
Heisler said the flag has a history based on service. It flew during recovery efforts at Ground Zero and on the final Space Shuttle mission, STS-135 Atlantis.
"Since 9/11, the same flag has honored over a thousand police officers, firefighters, those killed in the military," Heisler said. "We make a commitment to the families that, you know, after 9/11, it was, 'We'll never forget.'"
Not the first time in Utah
The flag has been to Utah several times before. It was presented during the funerals of officer Doug Barney and officer Cody Brotherson in 2016 and officer Nathan Lyday in 2020.
"So (in the family's) darkest hour, if you can bring some type of brief healing that their loved one will never be forgotten — that's what we do." Heisler said.
Each time the flag moved, it's carried by a brand new set of custom gloves and saluted. The flag followed Hooser's casket throughout his funeral service on Monday.
The first to hold and salute the flag was officer Jacen Harker of the Provo Police Department. The gloves he wore, along with gloves other honor guards will wear, will be presented to Hooser's family.
"I think, specifically for this family, we feel for your loss. And we're here to honor your husband, your father. He's not going to be forgotten," Heisler said.
The United State Honor Flag is volunteer-based. To help continue its cause to support more families, click here.
