Somber, respect and sadness permeated the annual remembrance Thursday at the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial.
The sadness this year came from the necessity to add a name to the wall located on the grounds of the Utah State Capitol.
The name of Santaquin Sgt. Billy D. Hooser was placed on the memorial, just under the name of Edwin J. Fisher from the Utah Department of Corrections. Though 69 years separate their “End of Watch” dates, they now share a place of honor at the site.
Hooser was struck by a semi-truck on May 5, 2024, during a police response. UDC personnel were involved in helping to track down the suspect, who is currently awaiting trial.
During the event that was attended by law enforcement staff from agencies across the state, Gov. Spencer Cox spoke about his love for the men and women who wear the uniform, calling them “the very best.”
Afterward, Hooser’s wife, Kinda Hooser, spoke about the challenges in the year since his death. She later placed Hooser’s plaque on the wall.