LOGAN, Utah — Tremonton police officer was remembered as being a loving husband, father and son during his memorial service Thursday, but those who spoke of Estrada said most of all, he would have wanted to be remembered as a man who worked to make a difference in his community.
Estrada was gunned down, along with Sgt. Lee Sorensen, on Aug. 17 after the two responded to a home where a domestic violence incident was believed to have occurred.
A flag-draped casket made its way through the Spectrum Arena on the campus of Utah State University to begin the service, followed by an emotional performance of the National Anthem.
During her eulogy for her friend and colleague, Det. Michelle Cluff shared how Estrada became her teacher and mentor before becoming her friend. After a time, Cluff explained how they came to a conversation about their “why,” the reason why they chose to become law enforcement officers.
“Estrada's wasn't so different,” said Cluff. “He wanted to serve the community he was raised and lived in, the one where his kids went to school and his wife worked.
“For Eric, they weren't empty words or goals, and as we served for the next year side by side, I saw that the community, the people he encountered every day, meant everything to him.”
Watch full eulogy given by Det. Michelle Cluff below:
Cluff recalled how she spoke with Sorenson, joking that she hoped he was keeping Estrada in line. Through tears, she turned to the night when both men were shot and killed while on duty, doing the jobs they were meant to do.
“With horrible knowledge but truth nonetheless, that it makes complete sense that Lee and Eric went together because neither of them would have left the other alone, and that they both lived to serve and protect the community,” she said.
During his remarks before the completion of the service, Gov. Spencer Cox shared the moments when he met with Estrada’s wife, Brittney, and asked about her husband.
“She looked me in the eye and told me about his why and their why and her why, and that why was about making the world a better place,” the governor said.
Full remarks by Gov. Spencer Cox can be seen in video below:
Cox looked out on those who filled the arena to commend them, along with Estrada, for putting their lives on the line to protect those in the community.
“I'm in a room full of people who every single day are willing to lay down their lives, not just for their friends, but for perfect strangers. For some of us who don't deserve it. And I'm humbled and grateful that Eric Estrada was one of those people.”
The governor ended the service by speaking to Estrada’s children and Estrada himself, saying that his service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“God will not be able to stop him from watching over you,” he said to the children. “I also know that there are angels that are unseen, but angels that are seen. This room is full of angels that you can see right now. Angels who are going to spend our lives trying to make sure that your sacrifice was not in vain.”
