Moab Trail Ride honors Utah officers killed in the line of duty

MOAB, Utah — Weekends in Moab are usually full of people heading out to have some fun.

This weekend was no different, except it included gunshots, bagpipes, and a special helicopter flyover.

It was all part of a service to honor and remember Utah law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

“It’s really cool to see these kinds of things happen and know he is going to be remembered,” said Karrie Vincent.

Vincent is the widow of Brigham City assistant police chief Dennis Vincent.

He died while on the job in 2018.

The ATV ride portion of this event is held on the Utah Fallen Peace Officer Trail.

At every mile-marker, there is a photo of an officer who died in the line of duty as well as a little story about them.

Vincent is one of those honored this year by the Utah Peace Officers Association as well as about a dozen others.

“I told my son, I said this is really where it becomes a reality for us that they really are going to be remembered,” said Vincent. “Time moves on and people move forward with their lives. We really appreciate all the effort. They always remember us on important dates and stuff, and it just really feels good to know we always have somebody there is we need them.”

South Salt Lake police officer David Romrell is also being honored this year.

He died in 2018 when his son, Jackson, was just an infant.

“I can’t believe it has been four years,” said Liz Romrell, who is officer Romrell’s widow. “These last four months, he’s really been talking about his dad a lot. We were out on the trail and we saw his mile-marker and his picture on there and I asked him who was that? And he said it’s daddy! I asked why are we here and he said to remember daddy.”

It’s what this yearly event is all about.

Especially for families.

“He knows who his daddy is regardless of where he is,” said Romrell.

Anyone can go on this trail at any time of the year, but it’s only during this event that pictures are part of it.

This is also the first year a K9 was honored.

Dingo was killed in the line of duty in 2017 while with the Unified Police Department.

His former handler is happy to see him included.

“Instead of adding another mile to it, they put the K-9 honoree at the very beginning and titled it a sentry so the K9 kind of watches over the ride,” said Chad Reyes, who is now the police chief of the Brigham City Police Department.

The ride has been put off for two years because of COVID-19 concerns.

However, it’s now back and families say it’s what makes this Moab weekend extra special.

“I know it took a long time,” said Romrell. “But I am grateful it meant enough for them to keep it and get it through.”