Loved ones remember slain South Salt Lake officer David Romrell at emotional vigil

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SOUTH SALT LAKE — Family, friends, community members and fellow officers gathered Sunday night at a vigil to light a candle and remember officer David Romrell, who was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 24.

Hundreds of people turned out for an emotional service in South Salt Lake where friends and family remembered Romrell as a brave officer and a good man.

“He was more than a friend: He was a brother,” said one of Romrell’s fellow officers. “In the short 11 months that he was here, he made an impact on everybody. I’m going to miss him. I love him.”

“On behalf of the city of South Salt Lake, officer David Romrell, you have left a hole in our hearts and in our community,” said South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood, choking back tears.

Family, friends, community members and fellow officers gathered in South Salt Lake on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, for a vigil in honor of South Salt Lake police officer David Romrell, who was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 24. (Photo: Adam Sotelo, KSL TV)

The vigil was the first time many of Romrell’s friends and family have spoken publicly since his death.

“David joined the South Salt Lake Police Department because he felt that here he could make the most difference,” said his father, Reid Romrell.

Romrell’s wife, Elizabeth, rocked their 4-month-old son, as she heard over and over again how much her husband was loved.

Romrell, 31, was killed after being hit by a car driven by a suspected burglar.

Elizabeth, wife of slain South Salt Lake police officer David Romrell, is pictured at an emotional vigil in honor of her husband on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018. (Photo: Adam Sotelo, KSL TV)

Before serving on the South Salt Lake police force, he was a Marine.

“There’s no question in our hearts and in our minds that David Romrell was a warrior,” said South Salt Lake Police Chief Jack Carruth. “David was a warrior in his last stand.”

And he’ll always be remembered as a hero.

“David loved serving his country and his community,” Carruth said. “David loved all of you and we love him.”

Romrell’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. at the Maverik Center in West Valley City. A viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend. The funeral will also be carried live on KSL 5 TV.