Burgess Owens: “Today I rise in honor of a true hero, Sergeant Bill Hooser, whose life was tragically taken on May 5, 2024, in the line…”

“Today I rise in honor of a true hero, Sergeant Bill Hooser, whose life was tragically taken on May 5, 2024, in the line of duty. Sergeant Hooser dedicated himself to protecting our communities, serving first in the San Juan County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico and later joining the Santaquin City Police Department in Utah in 2017. Just this last February, he was promoted to sergeant, a testament to his dedication and leadership. Sergeant Hooser gave 29 years of his life to his family--a devoted husband, a loving father to two daughters, and a proud grandfather. He also gave himself fully to his community, sacrificing everything to keep others safe. On May 5, 2024, he was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer during a high-speed chase on Interstate 15. His courage and selflessness are the very embodiment of what we ask of our law enforcement officers each day. Utah has not faced a line-of-duty death since 2020, but this loss is a stark and sobering reminder of the risks our officers take every time they put on their uniforms. Sergeant Hooser's passing is a wound in the heart of our State and a call for all of us to reflect on the cost of the safety and security we often take for granted. Today, we have an opportunity to honor Sergeant Hooser's legacy in a lasting and meaningful way. My legislation, cosponsored by the entire Utah House delegation, will name the Santaquin post office the Sergeant Bill Hooser Post Office Building.…”