Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
VERNAL — A police officer who was shot in the line of duty on April 28 returned home from the hospital Thursday.
Sgt. Chad Watt was transported home as people lined Highway 40 to welcome him back home.
"As Chad prepares to return home, we want to extend an invitation to each and every one of you to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion," Roxanne Behunin, the city recorder for Vernal said.
"We believe it would be incredibly meaningful to line the route along the highway with flags on both sides of the street by Walmart, showing our solidarity and support as he makes his way back to familiar surroundings. The city will provide the flags for those employees that want to participate," Behunin said.
Watt, a 25-year veteran with police, was shot multiple times on April 28 while responding to a report of an intoxicated man threatening a neighbor with a gun, police say. Upon arrival, the man opened fire as Watt was exiting his vehicle, police say.
The man, Rookus Rosscol Curry, 27, faces several charges.
On Thursday, several Patriot Guard Riders led the procession through town with American flags flying from their motorcycles.
Vernal resident Andrea Nielsen said nothing was going to stop her from being there with her kids.
"To show support for the brave men and women that are protecting us day in and day out," Nielsen said. "There are people out there that protect you, and you need to show your support for them too."
Firefighters hung a large U.S. flag from their ladder trucks and flew it over the highway.
"We joke and laugh a lot, but it's one of those things that when it comes down to it, everybody has got each other's backs here," Sam Howard of the Vernal Fire Department said.
Vernal Police Chief Michael Gledhill said he is happy his officer is back home, but his thoughts and prayers and his department's thoughts and prayers are with the Santaquin Police Department.
He knows their outcome is much different after Sgt. Bill Hooser was killed earlier this week and hopes Santaquin can start to heal soon the way Vernal is now. Gledhill said he appreciates the community support in both towns.
"That's what we do, is when a tragedy happens, our community rallies around its members and it's just fantastic to live in a place like this," Gledhill said.
This is something Nielsen hopes her kids take to heart after being a part of it all.
"This is a testament to his unwavering spirit and incredible support he received from loved ones and medical teams both in Vernal and Salt Lake City," Behunin said.
Behunin said to support Watt and his family during this time, those interested can donate directly to the family Venmo account, @Watt-1999* or you can make donations in person at the Vernal Police Department. Checks should be written to "Vernal Police Officers Association."
"While medical costs will be covered by city insurance, your generosity will help alleviate the financial burdens the Watt family will face as Sergeant Watt focuses on healing," a post from police said.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
