South Salt Lake • Just over a week after burying her husband, Elizabeth Romrell thanked the hundreds of people, police departments, restaurants and other businesses who supported her and her family after South Salt Lake police Officer David Romrell was killed in the line of duty.
“This has been the most challenging experience of my life, yet I have never felt alone," she said during a Thursday news conference at the South Salt Lake Police Department. Her statement Thursday was the first she’s given since her husband’s death, except for a love letter to him read by a friend at David Romrell’s funeral.
David Romrell was killed Nov. 24 when a burglary suspect struck him with a car near 3300 South and 300 West in South Salt Lake. The driver, Felix Calata, 31, was killed that night when police shot at the car. A passenger, Jeffery Black, has been charged with murder, robbery, attempted burglary and other crimes in connection with the confrontation.
Elizabeth Romrell said in the aftermath of her husband’s death, supporters from Utah and across the country have brought her “tremendous comfort and peace.”
She said her husband has always recognized how special the South Salt Lake community is, and she is thankful he brought her here to raise their son because the community has helped ease her pain. Elizabeth Romrell said she hopes to stay here and raise their 4-month-old son, Jackson.
In a statement from the Romrell family, read by South Salt Lake Police Chief Jack Carruth, members asked supporters to honor David Romrell by living how he lived and loving fiercely, listening intently and standing for what is right.
And, they said, “Give your partner, your kids, your friends, one extra hug.”
