10/28/2026
Ask TGPD: Our lives post the 2025 tragedy.
Chief Cordova took a moment to weigh in. His full reply is posted below.
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Our officers are doing well overall, but losing Eric and Lee is something that will stay with us forever. Everyone processes a loss like this differently, and we continue to support one another and their families.
Officer safety has always been a priority, and we continually evaluate our training, policies, equipment, staffing, and operations. We have made some changes, but because the investigation remains ongoing, we cannot responsibly discuss some of the specific circumstances or operational changes related to the incident.
It is also important to recognize that our officers face tremendous risks every day. Even in smaller communities like ours, officers regularly encounter armed individuals, domestic violence, people in crisis, violent offenders, and unpredictable situations where they may have very little information before arriving. Training, equipment, staffing, policies, and good tactics can reduce those risks, but no procedure can eliminate every danger inherent to police work.
I am incredibly grateful for the brave men and women who knowingly accept those risks every day to help keep our communities safe. I am equally grateful for the families and community who support them. We will continue doing everything possible to protect our officers and the people we serve.
Our outlook on the community has not changed. If anything, this experience has strengthened it. Police officers regularly see people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. One of the most impactful parts of this experience was having our community see us in ours.
Tremonton, Garland, and the surrounding communities showed up for our officers and families during our darkest hour. The support, compassion, and love we received reminded us why we serve these communities in the first place. I can confidently say our love and appreciation for the people we serve has only grown through this experience.
Our commitment to serving them is stronger than ever.
Chief Dustin Cordova