WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah -- Members of the community are coming together to express their love and support Sunday after a West Valley City Police Department officer was killed in the line of duty.
Officer Cody Brotherson, 25, was hit and killed early Sunday morning while involved in a pursuit with several suspects who allegedly stole a vehicle.
"West Valley born and bred individual, and our hearts are heavy with his loss," said Chief Lee Russo of the West Valley City PD.
Around 9:30 a.m., numerous police vehicles formed a procession to escort Brotherson's body from the scene of the fatal incident.
Later Sunday, American Flags along with blue stars and ribbons decorated Brotherson's home in Weber County and the home of his parents in West Valley City. Similar displays were erected at the police station and city hall, and flowers and cards appeared on a WVC police cruiser in the area. Other well wishers dropped off cards and food for officers.
Shante Johnson, the widow of fallen officer Sgt. Derek Johnson, said she knows from personal experience how much these gestures of support mean to the families of fallen officers.
"We totally notice, yes, it means a lot to us," she said.
Wayne Hunting, a Patriot Guard rider, was among those who stopped at the West Valley City Police Department Sunday to offer help.
"All we wanted to do this morning was make sure the family knows there are people in society that love and care for them and feel for their loss," he said.
Jenny Brotherson, Cody's mother, read a statement on behalf of the family Sunday, saying they are grateful for all of the support. She said they are very proud of what their son chose to do with his life.Click here for more of her remarks.
