South Salt Lake, Utah, Police Department officers stepped in as “fill in Dads” to accompany Jackson Romrell to his first day of kindergarten.
Jackson’s father, South Salt Lake Police Officer David Romrell, died in the line of duty in November 2018. A group of uniformed officers and Chief Jack Carruth showed up in his place for his first day of kindergarten.
Jackson was four-months-old when his father was fatally struck by a vehicle driven by suspects fleeing a reported burglary, according to a Fox News report.
Before joining the South Salt Lake Police Department, Romrell had served several tours with the Marine Corps.
He is survived by his wife and their infant son Jackson. While the young boy could not have his father by his side on his first day of school, the police community ensured he was not alone.
The department shared heartwarming photos of Jackson atop a motorcycle with his “fill-in Dads” prior to starting his school day.
The South Salt Lake website pays tribute to officer Romrell, stating the former U.S. Marine was killed while protecting the streets and citizens of South Salt Lake.
“He devoted his entire adult life to serving his country and the community and made a lasting impact on all who had the fortune to know him,” according to the municipality’s website.
He was memorialized in November 2019 when the municipality named the police department building after him, according to the municipality’s website.
The South Salt Lake Police Department honored fallen officers, including Romrell, with a Utah Fallen Officer Motorcycle Ride the day before Jackson’s school entry.
Both Jackson and his mother were present at this event, with young Jackson seen riding a toy motorcycle in memory of his father.
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