LOCAL NEWS

Taylorsville police officer’s home a total loss after fire, family lost everything inside

Jul 4, 2024, 5:01 PM | Updated: 6:41 pm

SUNSET — Many of us have plenty of photos on our phones these days. However, the pictures Colton Gordon took Wednesday morning are memories he wishes never happened.

“That is the inside of my living room,” Gordon said while scrolling through his photos. “And there is my house roof on fire.”

Just before 8 p.m. Wednesday, his Sunset home in Davis County started burning. The fire began in another unit in the five-plex but quickly spread to his.

Gordon, who is a Taylorsville police officer, was working at the time when he got an alert on his cell phone someone was at his front door.

“I pulled up the app and saw it was one of our neighbors,” Gordon said. “Then I saw all of the other neighbors outside running away and I just saw smoke everywhere.”

Gordon called his wife, who was already getting their two kids and dogs out of the house.

He then rushed home in what felt like the longest drive ever.

“It really did. Especially when I came around Farmington right past Lagoon and I saw the black smoke and I knew that was it,” Gordon told KSL.

When he got there, Gordon said he saw flames shooting up through his roof.

“I remember just standing there with everyone just in disbelief. It seemed unreal. It felt like I was stopped in time. It is hard to describe,” Gordon said.

Three families are now out of their homes because of the fire, smoke, and water damage.

The Gordons lost everything that was inside.

“The only thing we had was the clothes on our back,” he said.

For a police officer who had spent his career helping others, it was difficult for him to admit he now needed some help.

“It was just an uncomfortable position that I just felt vulnerable, and I do not like that feeling. But my wife was a rock. She was calm,” he said. “I kind of had to humble myself a little bit and just accept the help even though I know I need the help.”

Fire investigators with the North Davis Fire District are still trying to determine how the fire started.

Even when that answer is found, Gordon knows it will not bring back everything that was lost.

“I had about 500 challenge coins that I collected throughout my career that are gone,” he said. “I also had a lot of Kansas City Chiefs memorabilia. I became a Chiefs fan when I was in the Army stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. Our son was born there so we grew to like the Chiefs in 2010-2011. All that is gone.”

For now, the Gordon family is staying with his wife’s parents in Utah.

They are thankful for a place to stay, but Gordon knows there will be some tough days ahead.

“My boy is having a hard time because his pet snake was up in his room and they weren’t able to get her out in time,” he said.

The family is waiting to see what might be covered by insurance, and they know that will take some time.

“We will just take it one day at a time,” Gordon said.

They also know what is most important; that everyone made it out and that they are all okay.

“Exactly. That is all that matters,” he said. “Stuff can be replaced.”

The Utah Fraternal Order of Police has set up a Help a Hero donation page to help the Gordon family.

If you would like to help, you can click on this link to go to that page.

“I have got my family and that is truly what matters to me right now,” Gordon said. “We will just build back up and go from there.”


*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Snow in Little Cottonwood Canyon...

Brian Carlson

Troopers urge caution to holiday travelers as winter storms move in

An incoming storm ahead of Presidents' Day weekend could be a bad combination for holiday travelers.

7 minutes ago

Snow covers the mountains during an early season snowstorm in Little Cottonwood Canyon on Thursday,...

Simone Seikaly

Experts issue winter storm warning for Wasatch Back, Park City

Weather forecasters are predicting a winter storm will move into Utah on Thursday and that it will stick around through Saturday.

32 minutes ago

The Utah State Capitol stands in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session on Tues...

Daniella Rivera

‘Damaging’ sexual assault language removed from crime data collection bill

A section in a crime data collection bill filed two weeks ago had sexual assault survivors, experts and advocates sounding alarm bells.

46 minutes ago

The new Weber Metro Cold Case Task Force has gathered files for 29 homicides that remain unsolved. ...

Mike Anderson

Weber Metro Cold Case Task Force takes nonprofit approach to funding resources

A new cold case task force plans to use it's nonprofit status to fundraise their investigation of unsolved homicides.

1 hour ago

West Valley City Police said two people were wounded and another was being detained for questioning...

Andrew Adams

2 injured, 1 detained for questioning in West Valley shooting

Police said two people were wounded and another was being detained for questioning Wednesday after a shooting that left multiple area schools under precautionary “secure” protocols.

3 hours ago

SAN LEANDRO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: New Kia cars are displayed on the sales lot at San Leandro Kia on...

Shelby Lofton

Kias in North Salt Lake now the target of vehicle break-ins, thefts

Another Utah neighborhood is being targeted for vehicle thefts.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Taylorsville police officer’s home a total loss after fire, family lost everything inside