House Passes Owens’ Bill to Honor Fallen Utah Hero Sgt. Hooser

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives passed legislation introduced by Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) to rename the Santaquin Post Office in honor of Sergeant Bill Dean Hooser of the Santaquin City Police Department, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on May 5, 2024.

“Today, the People’s House came together to honor a true Utah hero, Sgt. Bill Hooser, paying tribute to a life defined by service and the ultimate sacrifice he made to protect our community,” said Rep. Owens. “The Sgt. Bill Hooser Post Office Building will serve as a lasting testament to his courage and dedication—a place where Utahns can reflect on the service of our men and women in law enforcement who stand on the front lines to keep us safe. May God continue to watch over the Hooser family and all those who wear the badge.” 

“Sgt. Hooser was an exemplary officer whose influence on the Santaquin City Police Department and the entire community will never be forgotten,” said Santaquin Mayor Daniel Olson. “His unwavering commitment to training, mentoring, and leading his fellow officers left a lasting impact. Sgt. Hooser’s leadership, kindness, and exceptional ability to navigate difficult situations made him a beloved figure in the city. This posthumous honor is a tribute to his tireless service, his contributions to public safety, and the legacy he leaves behind. Renaming the post office after Sgt. Hooser will serve as a constant reminder of his selflessness, dedication, and the lasting mark he made on Santaquin City. The Hooser family and the entire community can take pride in knowing that Sgt. Hooser’s memory will be honored and celebrated for generations to come.”

Background:

The legislation would rename the Santaquin Post Office as the SGT Bill Hooser Post Office Building. 

Sgt. Hooser entered law enforcement with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico and joined the Santaquin City Police Department in 2017. Bill was promoted from Corporal to Sergeant in February. On May 5, 2024, Sgt. Hooser was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer whose operator was fleeing a traffic stop on Interstate 15 near mile marker 244 in Santaquin. He is survived by his spouse of 29 years, two daughters, and one granddaughter. His passing is the first line-of-duty death in Utah since 2020. 

Owens is joined by the Utah House Delegation as original co-sponsors, Representatives John Curtis (UT-03), Blake Moore (UT-01), and Celeste Maloy (UT-01).

The full text of the legislation is available here. 

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