Officer Eric Estrada - Tremonton-Garland Police Department - Utah

August 17, 2025, was a very tragic day for the Tremonton-Garland Police Department in Utah, a department with only 21 police officers.  On this day, the police department lost two of their officers in a shooting.   

Officer Eric Estrada was one of these officers.  Officer Eric Estrada and Sergeant Sorensen were responding to multiple 911 hang-up calls at a residence in Tremonton at approximately 9:00 p.m.  They were both shot and killed responding to this call.  

While on of them was talking to a resident in the home about a domestic dispute, a man exited the house with a gun, opened fire, and mortally wounded the officer. Another officer arrived as backup and was also shot and killed. A deputy and a K9 from the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after being shot while in their patrol vehicle.

As additional officers arrived, bystanders convinced the man to surrender. He was arrested and charged with aggravated murder.

People described Officer Estrada as having a gift for laughter and joy.  He always knew how to make others smile, and his bright spirit lifted everyone around him. Friends and family will remember his love for pickleball, riding his bike, CrossFit, grilling, mowing his lawn, doing his hair, and the simple pleasure of walks with his "main man" P.O.

Officer Estrada was nicknamed "Chipz" after the actor Erik Estrada.  Eric's energy and kindness left a lasing impression on all who met him.  He was selfless, always looking out for others and willing to help in any way he could.  He will always be a hero.

Officer Estrada had served with the Tremonton-Garland Police Department for less than a year.  He had previously served with the North Park Police Department, Box Elder County Sheriff's Office, and the Logan City Police Department.  He is survived by his wife and two children. 

As part of our "Plaques for Heroes" campaign, engraved slate memorial plaques were sent to the Tremonton-Garland Police Department and to Officer Eric Estrada's family at no cost to honor his service and his sacrifice to the community of Tremonton-Garland, Utah. Our condolences to his family, his department and the community he served.