SANTAQUIN, Utah — Remembered as someone who was tough as a police officer but tender at heart, a funeral and procession Monday honored the life and legacy of Sgt. Bill Hooser of the Santaquin Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty one week ago.
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Hundreds of law enforcement members, family, friends and Utah officials attended the funeral at the UCCU Events Center at Utah Valley University.
A flag-lined path outside welcomed guests for the somber occasion.
An hour before services were set to begin, attendees dressed in black were seen walking into the venue. A procession of bagpipes opened the ceremony, ushering in the casket covered with a flag.
Sgt. Hooser's daughter, Shayle, shares memories of her late father below:
Hooser's daughters, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, and representatives of the Santaquin Police Department shared their thoughts during the emotional service.
During their remarks, Hooser was remembered as a man who dedicated his life to his community, loving every second of his time as a police officer.
"It saddens me to know no matter how hard I look or no matter how far I look, I will never be able to replace Sgt. Hooser. He truly was irreplaceable," reflected Lt. Mike Wall.
Wall described how quickly Hooser succeeded through the ranks at the Santaquin Police Department, gladly taking on more responsibilities and leading younger officers along the way.
"Rest Easy Sgt. Hooser," Wall concluded. "We have your back and we'll take it from here."
Beyond his career in law enforcement, Hooser's daughter, Shayle Terry, reflected on the deep love her father had for his family.
"He was always trying to make us laugh," she said emotionally. "How I wish I could hear his laugh one more time."
Terry said Hooser was the "ultimate girl dad," attending every dance recital, cheer competition and gymnastics practice.
In an emotional tribute below, Courtney Hooser talks about her father:
Later in life, Terry said her dad's heart expanded at the birth of her own daughter, his first grandchild.
"I saw a side of my dad I had never seen before. She was a highlight of his life," Terry said tearfully.
Calling her father a hero, Terry emphasized his love and dedication to the community.
"My dad lived his days surrounded by people he loved, doing what he loved and never having a single regret," Terry said in part. "May we all strive to live our days a little more like our dad."
Hooser's youngest daughter, Courtney, also delivered an emotional tribute to her father, reflecting on the heartbreak she has felt in the last week.
"There has been anger, sadness grief and confusion," Courtney said. "I've spent the last few days thinking about what it was like for my dad to lay there lifeless and what that man took from us with no remorse."
Throughout the service, Courtney and others shared that she is getting married later this year and the ultimate heartbreak she feels knowing her dad won't be in attendance.
"I will never understand why this happened, nor will I ever stop mourning the loss of my father," Courtney reflected. "My dad is nothing short of a hero and I am so grateful to be raised by such an admirable man."
Utah Governor Spencer Cox shared during his speech that Courtney will not be alone during her wedding day.
WATCH: Procession escorts Hooser through the streets of Santaquin to his final resting place
"When you walk down that aisle Courtney, you will have so many dads there, trying to pay you back for what you've given us," he said.
Cox reflected on the Hooser family's ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the community, calling the suspect who was arrested a "despicable human being."
"Life is fragile — as a country divided, once in a while God sends us a reminder of what really matters," he said. "Sgt. Hooser is a hero. My prayer for all of us is we will learn from his life."
After the program, a procession escorted Hooser's body to Santaquin, winding through the town before ending at Santaquin City Cemetery.
Hundreds of law enforcement officials reaching from far areas of Utah participated in the procession and service.
On Sunday, the community gathered at Apple Valley Elementary School for a public visitation ahead of the funeral.
Halls were lined with "thank you" drawings and notes from students of all ages and tables full of pictures, flowers and photos depicted Hooser's life as a police officer, dad, brother, husband and friend.
"He died doing a job that he loved," said his brother, Randy Hooser during Sunday night's event. "But I guess the important thing is he was more than just a cop."
Hooser was killed Sunday, May 5 after he was hit by a semi-truck driver who fled from the scene, officials reported. Michael Aaron Jayne, 41, was later arrested in connection to the case.
