SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Nearly a year after his tragic death, Sgt. Bill Hooser of the Santaquin Police Department was formally honored at the Annual Utah Police Memorial Service, with his name now etched alongside fallen heroes on the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial Wall at the State Capitol.
On May 5, 2024, Hooser lost his life when a routine traffic stop took a devastating turn. Authorities say the driver involved, identified as Michael Aaron Jayne, fled the scene before making a sudden U-turn and striking Hooser with a semi-truck.
The ceremony held Thursday marked a solemn moment not only for the Santaquin Police Department, which closed its office for most of the day to attend, but also for Hooser’s family and the broader law enforcement community across Utah.
Hooser’s wife, Kinda Hooser, gave a heartfelt tribute during the memorial, sharing how the past year has been filled with both pain and reflection.
“It’s surreal to be standing here nearly a year after Bill was taken from us,” she said. “The days without him have been incredibly difficult. I often think of everything he hasn’t been here for—the big moments and the small ones.”
As a sign of unity and remembrance, residents of Santaquin are once again decorating city trees with blue ribbons, just as they did last year in the wake of Hooser’s death. The Santaquin Police Department is inviting community members to pick up ribbons at the station on Thursday and Friday, even as the office operates on limited hours. Participants are kindly asked to remove the ribbons after National Police Week, which concludes on May 17.
Kinda Hooser closed her remarks with a message of thanks to the community and those across the state who have supported her family since the tragedy.
“Thank you for standing beside us in our darkest hours. From our local neighbors to state leaders, your love and support have carried us through. Santaquin will always have my heart,” she said.
Thursday’s memorial event included a rifle salute, the playing of bagpipes, and ceremonial tributes for all 150 Utah officers who have died in the line of duty. Maureen Benson, vice president of the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial, addressed the crowd during the event.
“Each name on this wall tells a story of sacrifice. And this year, we add one more hero—Sgt. Bill Hooser,” Benson said.
Hooser’s legacy now stands alongside those who made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring he will be remembered not only by his family and department but by the entire state.
