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SALT LAKE CITY — As family members and friends gathered on the Capitol grounds to remember Utah's fallen officers, a toddler with curly blond hair examined a white dove perched in a cage.
Logan Shinners would later help his mom, Kaylyn, press a plaque with his father's name on the officers' memorial wall as birds chirped and mourners looked on.
Provo police officer Joseph Shinners, South Salt Lake police officer David Romrell and Brigham City Police Assistant Chief Dennis Vincent were honored Thursday during the annual ceremony held at the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial.
"I'm especially appreciative of the families of the fallen officers. After going to the third funeral this year, I found myself struggling with it. It seemed like every single month we were going to another funeral for a fallen officer," said Kaysville Police Chief Sol Oberg, who serves as president of the memorial.
He said he has drawn inspiration from talking to the widows and families of the fallen officers. "I think it's just a little bit ironic that the police are gaining the strength, and comfort and support from the families of the fallen officers. It seems like it's supposed to be the other way around," Oberg said. "They're an inspiration to us all."
Shinners was shot and killed while apprehending an armed fugitive during his usual overnight shift on Jan. 5.
On Nov. 24, 2018, Romrell was hit by a fleeing vehicle and killed. He is the first South Salt Lake officer killed in the line of duty.
Vincent died Oct. 26, 2018, after suffering two strokes, the first soon after taking his yearly fitness test. He had served with Brigham City police since 1994.
During the ceremony, tears were shed in the crowd as musical trio Gentri sang an emotional "Bring Him Home."
Liz Romrell, wife of David Romrell, gave remarks and shared stories about her husband.
"These men were called to perform duties few people will ever understand or appreciate. In doing so, they have entered an elite class … only a few ever enter. They were called to do the unthinkable and now have become our heroes. It is up to us to bear witness to their bravery and sacrifice by remembering them," she said.
Romrell loved his wife, his infant son Jackson, and his job, she said.
She recalled coming home from work exhausted one night and her husband "had to tell me about his day." He and his fellow officers had raided an apartment complex but didn't find what they were looking for. They did find Mexican money though, Romrell said. "David raised his hand, slapped it on the counter, and presented me some pesos and said, 'This is what I did today.'"
"I said, 'Honey, did you steal from the Mexican cartel?'" Romrell remembered responding. Her husband replied, "Maybe, but I'm proud of it," she said, as her comments were met with laughter.
"I hope that we continue to share stories … about all of our heroes," she said.
At the end of the ceremony, the caged dove was released, along with a flock of doves that flew away into the bagpipe music-filled air.
Utah has lost 145 officers in the line of duty. The memorial wall stands outside the western doors of the Capitol.
For more information, visit Utahsfallen.org.
