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MOAB — Weekends in Moab are usually full of people heading out to have some fun.
This weekend was no different, except it included gunshots, bagpipes and a special helicopter flyover, as part of a service to honor and remember members of Utah law enforcement who were killed in the line of duty.
"It's really cool to see these kinds of things happen and know he is going to be remembered," said Karrie Vincent, widow Dennis Vincent, former deputy Brigham City police chief who worked in the department for almost 25 years.
He died on the job in 2018.
The ATV ride in Moab is held on the Utah Fallen Peace Officer Trail.
At every mile-marker, there is a photo of an officer who died in the line of duty as well as a little story about them.
Dennis Vincent is one of the officers honored this year by the Utah Peace Officers Association, in addition to about a dozen others.
"I told my son, I said, this is really where it becomes a reality for us that they really are going to be remembered," said Karrie Vincent. "Time moves on and people move forward with their lives. We really appreciate all the effort. They always remember us on important dates and stuff, and it just really feels good to know we always have somebody there if we need them."
South Salt Lake police officer David Romrell was also honored in this year's trail ride. He died in 2018 when his son, Jackson, was just an infant.
"I can't believe it has been four years," said Liz Romrell, David Romrell's widow. "These last four months, he's really been talking about his dad a lot. We were out on the trail and we saw his mile marker and his picture on there and I asked him who was that? And he said it's daddy! I asked why are we here and he said 'To remember daddy.'"
It's what this annual event is all about. Especially for families.
"He knows who his daddy is regardless of where he is," said Romrell.
Anyone can go on this trail at any time of the year, but it's only during this event where pictures are part of it.
This is also the first year a K9 was honored.
Dingo was killed in the line of duty in 2017 while with Unified Police.
His former handler is happy to see him included.
"Instead of adding another mile to it, they put the K9 honoree at the very beginning and titled it a sentry so the K9 kind of watches over the ride," said Chad Reyes, who is now the police chief of the Brigham City police department.
The ride has been put off for two years because of Covid concerns.
However, it's now back and families say it's what makes this Moab weekend extra special.
"I know it took a long time," said Romrell. "But I am grateful it meant enough for them to keep it and get it through."
