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SALT LAKE CITY -- Every day men and women get up and go about their day. Some of the bravest put on a police uniform. Thursday May 5th, Utah honored the lives of the fallen officers of 2010.
Government and police officials, along with many Utah police officers, gathered at a memorial service at the Utah State Capitol Thursday morning to honor three Utah peace officers who were killed in the line of duty last year.
Governor Gary Herbert and Attorney General Mark Shurtleff were among the speakers who memorialized Sevier County Sheriff's Sgt. Franco Aguilar, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer Josh Yazzie and Kane County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Harris.
Sevier County Sheriff's Sgt. Franco Aguilar
April 28, 2010 Sgt. Aguilar, a Marine, was celebrating his 36th birthday with his wife and five children. The next morning he kissed them all and headed out to do his job. After 10 years with the agency, this day felt like any other. He responded to an accident on I-70. A car had slid off the road into a barrier. During the course of the investigation, an SUV lost control and veered directly into the path of the previous accident, and directly at Sgt. Aguilar. It is unknown for certain if he was struck, or if he was attempting to get clear. Unfortunately, in the blink of an eye, he had fallen more than 200 feet to his death. One year ago, today, Sgt. Aguilar was laid to rest.
People said that when he was not talking about his family, or being an officer, he was talking about his cherished 1964 Chevy Impala. He had been working to restore the car for many years prior to his death. The only reason it took that long was because he would stop what he was doing to help the students around him in the shop at Snow College. Since his passing, the car has been completed in his honor.
U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer Josh Yazzie
Officer Yazzie, A police officer for the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, is remembered as friendly, kind and helpful. He is described as having a very strong patience and concern for humanity. Being an officer was his career, and he loved doing it.
He passed away June 7, 2010 around 6:30pm. On his way to assist a call regarding an intoxicated person that was being belligerent, he lost control of his car. It was a very tragic accident that took the hero away from his wife and two children.
Kane County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Harris
Deputy Harris decided right after high school to join the United States Army because he had been told the best way to start a law enforcement career is to be military first. Friends and family recall how he actually had to gain weight in order to be allowed to join. It's recalled with humor that to do this, he ate a lot of ice cream. Yet, shortly before that while still in high school, Brain had convinced the lunch lady he was allergic to cheese because he didn't like it. Although, he did confess to them on the last day of school that he had tricked them.
While in the Army, Brian served in the Gulf war as a Howitzer Mechanic. His wife reminisced about how he would use a tow truck to help stuck tanks, and even officers. He liked to "tinker" with projects. He also loved being outdoors with his family. Despite having a reputation as a prankster, when it came to his job Brian was very serious. He is remembered as having a passion for life.
On August 26, 2010 Deputy Harris was on a call regarding and armed robbery suspect. While on a foot pursuit, the suspect crossed the border into Arizona. The suspect had set up an ambush under a tree, and made the final shot from as far as 150 feet away. His wife recalled being sent a text, and she began listening to the scanners. Initially she was unsure if it was him.
"When the officers began walking towards my door," Shawna remembered, "I knew."
"May all those who have fallen rest in peace. May there be comfort for the families that have lost those who have given all." -Words from a prayer given by Captain Ned Jackson.
