OGDEN, Utah — Many in Ogden are rallying around their police department as they mourn the loss of fellow officer Nate Lyday.
The young officer was killed Thursday around noon when he and other officers responded to a domestic violence situation in the 300 block of Jackson Avenue.
With Officer Lyday's family gathered behind him, Ogden Police Chief, Randy Watt, spoke of the young man who had only been on the police force for 15 months.
"Warrior, guardian and public servant, Officer Lyday sacrificed his life on behalf of the threatened and fearful family on the scene, the citizens of Ogden in the immediate area, the Greater Ogden community and the fellow officers who were with him," Chief Watt said.
His patrol car, with a fallen officer flag draped across the front windshield, was parked on a strip of grass overnight.
The tributes and condolences began very early Friday morning. His body was transported Friday afternoon from the state medical examiner's office to the Lindquist Mortuary in Ogden.
My vantage point of the procession for fallen @OGDEN_POLICE Ofc. Nate Lyday 🙏 pic.twitter.com/VK76MSNSRN
— 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐞𝐞 (@brian_schnee) May 29, 2020
Dozens of American flags were posted outside the Ogden Police Department.
The group "Follow the Flag" posted the flags in honor of the slain officer.
"We had texts and messages blowing up on our Facebook," said Rob Clark with Follow The Flag. "Asking what we were going to do and who could help and we have a team that comes around and does this and tries to support the officers, the families and everyone involved."
Officer Lyday was born and raised in Ogden, graduated from Weber State University with honors, and even worked at a local Fresh Market store.
Some of his former co-workers stopped by to place purple bows around trees and to offer tearful condolences.
The memorial to Officer Lyday will remain in place.
Lincoln Street just to the west of the Ogden Police Department is going to remain closed for a few days so that anyone who wants to can stop by and offer their condolences.
Donations can be made to Officer Lyday's family at any America First Credit Union branch, or by transfer for existing AFCU members, at this account:
America First Credit Union
Nathan Lyday Memorial Account
Account Number 9115916
