Officer David Romrell

Officer David Romrell
South Salt Lake Police Department
Distinguished Alumni Award (Posthumous)
1987-2018

At his memorial service last year, fallen South Salt Lake Police Officer David Romrell was remembered as a great warrior with a sense of humor. The former Salt Lake Community College criminal justice student was killed in the line of duty while investigating a burglary on November 24, 2018.

Romrell’s colleagues and family alike recall him as outgoing but humble and proud to live a life of public service. He worked his entire adult life on behalf of his country and his community. Prior to his 11 months with the South Salt Lake Police Department, he served several tours of duty in the United States Marine Corps from 2006 to 2014. Even after earning a bachelor’s degree in computer hardware engineering in 2015, Romrell continued his path of service and became a police officer. His friend and mentor, retired Cottonwood Heights police officer Kevin Wyatt said, “He came home, followed his dream and then died for his community.”

During his short time as a police officer, Romrell made a positive impact on his coworkers. “I can promise you, around here, and with the officers he worked with, his memory will live on,” said South Salt Lake Police Sargent Ryan Cram. “We’ll always remember him and try to pay tribute to him and try to serve in a way that will honor him.”

Romrell, who last year was awarded a posthumous associate’s degree in criminal justice, also found great joy in being a husband and father and often spoke lovingly of his wife, Elizabeth, and his infant son, Jackson.

“When an officer’s heart is larger than their courage, there shall be no other guardian worthier of wearing the badge,” said South Salt Lake Police Chief Jack Carruth.