UTAH COUNTY -- One year ago Friday, Utah County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Cory Wride was shot and killed on Highway 73 in Eagle Mountain, and on the first anniversary of the attack hundreds paid tribute with memorial services in two locations in Utah County.
The Eagle Mountain memorial event began with a procession from the spot where Sgt. Wride was shot and killed, and the procession traveled along Pony Express Parkway. Along the route, several residents and students from local schools came to stand and show their support for the Wride family.
Nathan Mohler, Wride’s eldest son, said that support is welcome.
“It’s still surreal,” he said. “I can’t believe it’s been a year, but it’s nice to be able to remember and to honor him, not one last time... It means so much to see the public come together and remember our Dad. It helps with the grieving process to know he’s not going to be forgotten.”
The procession ended at what will now be known as the Cory B. Wride Memorial Park in Eagle Mountain.
“Just a great tribute to a wonderful family," said Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox.
Cox, Utah County Sheriff Jim Tracy, Nanette Wride, and others spoke during the dedication ceremony.
“I just feel honored to have been his wife,” Nanette Wride said.
Nanette Wride thanked the community for helping them heal during the last 12 months.
“It just doesn’t seem like it’s been a whole year, but yet I made it a year,” she said. “When I didn’t think I could make it one breath or one step or one day, and then three days and then a week--and so to do a whole year, it’s just so healing and gives me hope for the future.”
Cory Wride grew up in American Fork, where the second memorial was held. A historic bell was moved to Robinson Park for a rally, and the public was invited to ring the bell in Wride’s honor.
