SEE IT NOW: Memorial service for fallen West Valley Police Officer Cody Brotherson

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, Nov. 14, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Jenny Brotherson stood before a sea of sorrowful faces, some of them flushed with emotion, others ashen with pain.

Brotherson stood behind a flag-draped casket, giving the eulogy for her firstborn son, West Valley City Police Officer Cody Brotherson, just 25 years old, who was killed eight days earlier in the line of duty.

“When Cody came over before his shifts, before he walked out the door, he would always say, ‘I love you, Mom,'” Jenny Brotherson told the thousands assembled at the Maverik Center. “And my response was always the same: ‘I love you, too. Be safe.’ And his response was always, ‘I got this.'”

Thousands attend memorial services for fallen West Valley Police Officer Cody Brotherson Monday Nov. 14, 2016. Photo: Gephardt Daily/Patrick Benedict
Thousands attend memorial services for fallen West Valley Police Officer Cody Brotherson Monday Nov 14 2016 Photo Gephardt DailyPatrick Benedict

In the early morning hours of Nov. 6, Brotherson was among officers laying out spike strips to stop a car allegedly stolen by three teenage boys too young to have licences. Brotherson was standing outside his vehicle when he was struck. He died at the scene.

“His entire life, he wanted to be a police officer,” Jenny Brotherson said, her voice reflecting her pride in her son. “His mom tried to talk him out of it several times…We were lucky enough to live in West Valley, and with Cody living here, we knew someone was out there watching over us every night.”

Dozens of motorcycle patrolmen prepare to take part in the funeral procession for fallen West Valley City Police Officer Cody Brotherson Monday, Nov. 14, 2016. Photo: Gephardt Daily/Patrick Benedict
Dozens of motorcycle patrolmen prepare to take part in the funeral procession for fallen West Valley City Police Officer Cody Brotherson Monday Nov 14 2016 Photo Gephardt DailyPatrick Benedict

The funeral began with a procession, with pipes and drums, pallbearers guiding in the casket, and an honor guard in formal uniforms and white gloves. Seats were packed with Brotherson’s friends, family, community members and fellow officers, along with law enforcement officials from around the state, region and nation.

Many dabbed at their eyes with tissues. Others trembled as they tried to suppress heartache.

Brothersons’ fiancee spoke, gathering courage and hugs as she made her way to the podium.

The coffin of WVCPD Officer Cody Brotherson is carried by family members. Photo: Gephardt Daily/Richard Trelles
The coffin of WVCPD Officer Cody Brotherson is carried by family members Photo Gephardt DailyRichard Trelles

“He was so honest, loyal and goofy,” Jessica Lee said. “He was a son, a brother, a friend. To me, he was the love of my life.”

Lee said the two fell in love quickly, and looked forwarded to “getting married, buying a house, having kids and growing old together.”

Lee broke the tension as she described her fiance’s five different laughs for different situations; his tendency to say his favorite movies — usually starring Patrick Swayze or Keanu Reeves — were loosely based on his life; and how he had purloined her hair conditioner for his beloved new mustache, named Wilson after the volleyball in “Castaway.”

Photo: Gephardt Daily/Patrick Benedict
Photo Gephardt DailyPatrick Benedict

Then there was the time he almost ticketed her for failure to use her turn signals.

“He let me off with a warning,” Lee said, smiling through her grief. “He thought it was pretty funny. I’m sure he still does.”

“We loved each other with our entire souls,” she said. “My heart is absolutely shattered, not having him here with me. He loved with everything he had.”

“Baby,” she said, addressing her late fiance, “We had a really good life.”

Braydon Brotherson, the middle of the three Brotherson brothers, said the hole left by Cody’s loss could never be filled. He thanked his brother’s “police family” and all law officers, asked those listening to be thankful for the service of police not just after tragedies, but “every second you have the privilege to dial 911.”

Photo: Gephardt Daily/Patrick Benedict
Photo Gephardt DailyPatrick Benedict

Braydon also took the stage when he and younger brother, Alex, accepted the Medal of Honor, awarded posthumously to Cody.

WVCPD Officer Chris Freestone, Brotherson’s partner for most of his time on the force, remembered being amused when the two first met.

“Cody was this bright-eyed, bushy-tailed kid,” said Freestone, who recalled thinking the two were “polar opposites.”

“Little did I know he would become my best friend,” Freestone said.

“Some called it a ‘bromance.’ His mustache was Wilson and mine was Bilson — though they never met.” The crowd rippled with laughter.

Photo: Gephardt Daily/Richard Trelles
Photo Gephardt DailyRichard Trelles

“He turned out to be one of the most amazing people I ever met,” Freestone said. “I was the older guy, and he was supposed to look up to me, but it was just the opposite.”

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox praised the late officer.

“It’s the ultimate sacrifice, and Cody made that for us,” Cox said.

“Cody, from the time he was young, wanted to give back to his community, and he was doing something brave and good.”

Cox asked the crowd and everyone in Utah to consider following Brotherson’s example, and to do something for someone in need.

“For some of you, that means putting on a uniform,” he said. For the rest, Cox suggested service to the community, and “finding some way to be more unified, finding a way to make this a better place.”

“May God bless Cody. May God bless his family. Please know that 3 million people (Utah’s approximate population) are with you. We love you. May God bless all who serve.”

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