Sergeant Lee Daniels Sorensen

“There is no higher honor than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest deed.”

Author Unknown.

Sergeant Lee Daniels Sorensen died on August 17, 2025 in the line of duty defending the lives of the community he loved and served.

Lee Daniels Sorensen was born on October 3, 1968, to Leon and Annette Sorensen. He grew up in a large family and was a lifelong resident of Garland, Utah. He was active in his faith and earned the honors of Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow. He graduated from Bear River High School in 1986 where he was active in FFA, rodeo, and the swim team. This past year, he graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

He served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Venezuela where he learned to love the people and the culture that surrounded him. While he served in Venezuela, he learned to speak fluent Spanish which later helped him as a law enforcement officer.

Lee married his high school sweetheart, Lanette Peterson, on Monday, August 18, 1994. Lanette celebrated their 31st anniversary the day after Lee’s passing. They welcomed three children during their marriage; Lacee, Landon, and Analise. Lee loved his family more than anything and encouraged his children and his wife in whatever they were doing. He also cherished his nieces and nephews and looked forward to their visits whether it was to help with a project or just enjoy some play time.

Lee’s love for serving in the community and law enforcement began 16 years ago when he became an officer for Garland City. He became an advanced law enforcement rapid response training (ALERRT) and emergency medical services (EMS) instructor which gave him the knowledge and ability to respond to all types of situations and interact with first responders throughout the community and Box Elder County.

He enjoyed community policing, especially when on his bicycle, since it gave him the opportunity to stop and interact with citizens wherever he went. The county fair was one of Lee's favorite annual events, which included his most favorite part, the parade.

His love of teaching others led him to become an emergency medical services (EMS) instructor and a field training officer (FTO). He had just earned the rank of Sergeant and talked every day about how he could help others become better officers. The respect and empathy he felt for the deceased and their families led him to become the medical examiner investigator in Box Elder County. He was able to interact with many agencies over the last two years in this capacity and that service was one of the highlights of his career.

Lee also had a large impact on the youth in the Tremonton and Garland area. He loved teaching young people how to make good choices and decisions so they could grow into respected members of the community, but his talent was to do it in such a way that was unexpected and resulted in lifelong impacts. One of his favorite events was the Special Olympic Torch Run. He looked forward to this opportunity each year to interact with the athletes who came through the valley.

Lee was larger than life and had the ability to connect with people. It didn’t matter where he went, there always seemed to be someone that he knew. He is remembered for his quiet acts of service and will continue to be an example of patience and tolerance. Lee always acknowledged the fact that we are all different but we all deserve to be recognized.

Lee was preceded in death by his father, Leon Sorensen, his daughter L. Analise Sorensen, and his niece Amberly Sorensen. He is survived by his wife, Lanette, his daughter Lacee, and his son Landon, his mother Annette, his brothers and sisters, and many nieces and nephews.

Jeff and Lisa Richins (sister)

Will and Richelle Sorensen (brother)

Jason and Misty Sorensen (brother)

Aaron and Lana Sorensen (brother)

Lynn and Patty Green (sister)

Joshua and Emily Sorensen (brother)

Tyrell and Darci Stark (sister)

End of watch August 17, 2025.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10 A.M. at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on the campus of Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

Public viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 3-7 P.M. at the Bear River High School Garland, Utah.

Funeral services are under the direction of Rudd Funeral Home. Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.ruddfuneralhome.com 

In lieu of flowers and to honor Officer Sorensen and his service, we ask that you support the Box Elder County Junior Livestock Auction and the youth in the valley who have worked to raise, show and sell their animals under Friends of the Fair. www.bejlauction.com.

If you would like to make a donation to the family, a page has been established to support his family. Contributions may be made at: https://helpahero.com/campaign/sgt-lee-sorensen

The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below.