Join Us for Provo City's Memorial Day Ceremony

Each year America's Freedom Festival partners with the Provo City Veterans Council to remember and honor those lost while bravely serving our nation in the Armed Forces. I invite you to join us on Monday, May 27, at 10:00 AM for our annual Memorial Day Service at the Provo City Cemetery located at 610 S State Street. It is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and honor the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women throughout our nation's history, as well as those who continue to defend our freedom today.

We extend a warm invitation to the public to attend this heartfelt event. There is no admission fee, and everyone is welcome to participate. Whether you have a personal connection to a fallen soldier, have served in the military yourself, or simply want to show your support, your presence will be valued and cherished.

Active Duty and Veterans: Active duty servicemen and women, as well as veterans, hold a special place in our hearts. We encourage all active duty personnel and veterans to attend the Memorial Day Service. Your presence will serve as a testament to the commitment and sacrifice you have made for our country. If you are able, we invite you to wear your uniforms as a symbol of pride and unity.

Rain or Shine: We understand that weather can be unpredictable. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be moved to the Covey Center for the Arts, located at 425 W Center Street. Regardless of the location, the spirit of the Memorial Day Service will remain unchanged, as we come together to honor our fallen heroes.

Let us stand united and show our unwavering support for our heroes on this significant day. Hope to see you there.

National Police Week: Honoring Our Heroes

As we mark National Police Week, we honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This morning, we held a Memorial to remember and pay tribute to our fallen heroes: Chief Bowen, Officer Strong, Officer Tucker, Sergeant Nisson, Senior Officer Halladay, and Master Officer Shinners. We also stand in solidarity with Santaquin PD as they mourn the loss of Sgt. Hoover.

During the Memorial, I had the privilege of addressing our community and the loved ones of our fallen officers. My heart was filled with deep respect and sorrow as I welcomed those in attendance, espcially the spouses and families who have endured unimaginable loss. This day, though somber, was a moment for us to unite in remembrance and support.

I reflected on the recent services for Officer Bill Hoover, and how Chief Beebe's support for Santaquin's Mayor Olson and Chief Hurst was a testament to the kind of officers we have in Provo City. Our officers embody the spirit of dedication and selflessness, and I am immensely grateful for their service.

Five years ago, we experienced a profound loss when we lost Master Officer Joe Shinners. The community's response was overwhelming, with a candlelight vigil near our old city hall. The outpouring of support from residents was a powerful reminder of our collective strength and compassion. Today, as we remember each fallen officer, we extend that same support and solidarity to their families.

There are no words to truly capture the depth of your loss, but I hope it brings some comfort to know that we stand with you in this moment of sacred remembrance.

Chief Beebe spoke with heartfelt emotion, reminding us of the dedication, courage, and selflessness of our fallen officers. Their legacy is etched in our hearts, and their impact on our community is everlasting. To the families of our fallen heroes, we offer our unwavering support and deepest gratitude. Your loved ones were extraordinary individuals who served with honor and integrity.

We also extend our thanks to the law enforcement officers who continue to serve with dedication and commitment. Despite the challenges, you protect and serve our communities, ensuring our safety and well-being.

As we commemorate National Police Week, let us remember the sacrifice of our fallen officers and support their families. Let us also recognize the ongoing efforts of our law enforcement officers who continue to serve with bravery and dedication. Together, as a community, we honor the legacy of our heroes and reaffirm our commitment to support and stand by those who protect us.

Remembering Our Fallen Heroes

Marshal Albert O.H. Bowen

Marshal Albert Bowen, Chief of Police, was the first Utah County police officer to lose his life in the line of duty. On October 13, 1873, he responded to a call at Stubbs & Dunkley Saloon, where he attempted to disarm an intoxicated man waving a gun. He was shot in the side of the head and succumbed to his injuries on October 16, 1873. Marshal Bowen is survived by his wife Catherine and their nine children. He is buried in Provo City Cemetery​​.

Officer William Strong

Officer William Strong was shot and killed on June 27, 1899, after arresting a transient in the city train yard. The suspect, who had burglarized a store, shot Officer Strong in the heart. Officer Strong had returned from retirement to patrol the depot at night. He is survived by his wife Celestia and their four children. He is buried in Provo City Cemetery​​.

Officer Franklin J. Tucker

Officer Frank Tucker died on June 16, 1904, when his duty weapon accidentally discharged. He was working a security detail at the Elks Carnival when his pistol fell from his back pocket and discharged, causing a fatal injury. Officer Tucker is survived by his wife Gunellia and their four children. He is buried in Provo City Cemetery​​.

Sergeant Norman Kim Nisson

Sergeant Norman Nisson was killed on January 11, 1995, in a traffic accident while serving court papers. His vehicle was struck from behind and pushed into oncoming traffic. Sergeant Nisson was a successful hostage negotiator and a member of the Detectives Division. He is survived by his wife Brigitte and their daughters Jennifer and Stephanie. He is laid to rest in Orem City Cemetery​​.

Senior Officer Trenton Halladay

Senior Officer Trenton Halladay joined Provo Police in July 1995 and served in various roles, including the Bike Patrol Unit, SWAT team, and Utah County Major Crimes Task Force. He was diagnosed with liver cancer in January 2006 due to chemical exposure from meth labs. He passed away on July 22, 2006. Officer Halladay is survived by his wife Lisa and their sons Colton and Cooper. He is laid to rest in Salem City Cemetery​​.

Master Officer Joseph Shinners

On January 5, 2019, Master Officer Joseph Shinners was shot while arresting a dangerous fugitive. He was transported to Utah Valley Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Officer Shinners served with the Provo Police Department for three years and was a member of the bike patrol unit and SWAT team. He is survived by his wife Kaylyn and their sons Logan and Colton. He is laid to rest in Springville Evergreen Cemetery​​.

Light Up Navajo Project

As the proud mayor of Provo, I am thrilled to share that our dedicated Provo Power Line Crew will be participating in the Light Up Navajo project, an initiative spearheaded by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and the American Public Power Association.

This year, we are sending a skilled team to Tuba City, Arizona, including Provo Power Foreman George Hutchings, Journeyman Lineman Don Willes, and Apprentice Linemen Cody Cornaby and Mitch Eliason. Their mission is clear yet profound: to build power lines that will connect homes of Navajo families to the electric grid for the very first time.

Imagine living without the basic modern conveniences of electricity—no lighting at night, no heating during cold spells, no air conditioning in the heat, and no refrigeration for food. This is the reality for some families on the Navajo Nation, a reality that our team will help transform. Our crew will join forces with utility teams from across the country to bring electricity to 200 homes, empowering lives with the simple, yet critical amenities that make modern life possible.

NTUA General Manager Walter Haase expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are grateful for the outside utilities who want to help bring positive change for families waiting for electricity.” This sentiment captures the essence of the Light Up Navajo project—a collaborative effort to enact positive change and brighten lives.

Travis Ball, Director of Provo Power, shared his enthusiasm about our participation: “I am thrilled that Provo Power can participate in something that will provide life-changing, meaningful opportunities to people who have not had the benefit of these modern-day conveniences so many of us take for granted.”

Throughout the week, we will be closely tracking and documenting the experiences of our line crew. We plan to share these moments with you through photographs and stories, giving you a front-row seat to the impactful work being done. It is a privilege for our community to be part of such a meaningful project, and we invite all of you to join us in this journey.

Stay tuned for updates and join us in supporting this admirable cause.